Ayoka Wiles

Ayoka Wiles received a PhD and Master of Philosophy in Public Policy & Administration from Walden University, a Master of Science in Nonprofit Management from The New School, and a BA in Economics from Mount Holyoke College. She currently serves as contributing faculty member at Walden University and began serving in this role in July 2024. She has taught seminars on Philanthropy and the nonprofit sector at other universities. Professionally, Dr. Wiles has over 20 years of leadership experience as nonprofit strategist, fundraiser, and grantmaker transforming and inspiring organizational and program development for arts, culture, education, youth development, and social justice organizations. Dr. Wiles is currently Division Director, Culture and Art, Global Programs of a major foundation and has served as a regular panelist reviewing grant funding for Sundance Institute, New York State Council on the Arts, New Jersey State Council on the Arts, New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, as well as several private funders. Her research is focused on the voices of Black women and women of color leaders in the nonprofit sector as well as socially engaged artists globally.