Saliha Nelson is a visionary leader and founder of URGENT Academy, slated to open its doors in the fall of 2024. With its unique emphasis on film, arts, culture, entrepreneurship and creative technologies, this innovative, private career and technical education middle school is poised to create an engaging and vibrant learning environment where students can thrive. With an impressive career spanning over 25 years, Saliha has been deeply committed to enhancing out-of-school time experiences for youth that are grounded in positive youth development principles. As an accomplished nonprofit executive, youth development practitioner and community-coalition builder, she is fueled by an unwavering dedication to amplifying opportunities that empower urban youth to transform their lives and communities. In her role as CEO of URGENT Inc., Saliha has spearheaded the development of transformative programs including the groundbreaking Film Arts Culture Entrepreneurship Internship Program, the highly regarded Miami 4 Social Change Youth Film Festival and the first registered media arts and creative technologies youth apprenticeship in the state of Florida. Saliha holds a bachelor’s in social policy and education from Northwestern University. Additionally, she possesses a master’s and doctorate of education, both earned from the University of Miami.