Nyora Higgs

Nyora Higgs, a native of California is the CalSWEC Field Consultant and a Lecturer. She served as the University Consortium of Children and Families Project Coordinator (UCCF) prior to her current position. She has also served as an adjunct faculty member with California State University, Los Angeles and University of Southern California. She has taught both first and second year courses including, General Practice with Individuals, Leadership and Administration, Human Behavior and the Social Environment 1&2, Social Work Administration in Social Service Agencies, Social Welfare Policy and Advanced Field Work Practice Title IV-E. Ms. Higgs has worked in the field for over 15 years primarily working with public child welfare (foster youth and adoptions), on both micro and macro levels as well as juvenile offenders, individuals with co-occurring disorders, substance abuse and homeless. Over the years, she has also served in leadership roles with various programs and agencies.

With advocacy, social justice and empowerment at the helm of her passion and motivation, Ms. Higgs, established and served as Executive Director of National Empowerment Foundation, Inc. where she implemented the Sports Youth Summit and Motivational Seminars for Foster Youth. She was also honored to be an Education Commissioner on Assembly Majority Leader, 47^th District, Karen Bass’ Education Commission for three years. In addition, she assisted with the state-wide re-funding efforts for Proposition 36.

Education

MSW - Emphasis in Community Organization, Planning, and Administration - University of Southern California.
BA - Psychology with minor in Sociology – California State University Dominguez Hills.
AA - General Education - El Camino College