Los Angeles native Kiesha Nix has taken the helm in philanthropy for the Los Angeles Lakers.

This latest step is her most significant career move that shifted from two decades in banking to philanthropy and public service. As Vice President of Charitable Affairs, Nix’s role expands to all activities in the organization’s corporate social responsibility agenda. The constant in her career is her commitment to community service.

Growing up in the city, she knows the importance of kids’ seeing themselves in the people that succeed.

“I am born and raised in South Central L.A., and it was important for me–when I delivered the check, or when we delivered the resources, that the kids get to see me,” Nix explained to the L.A. Sentinel.  “Because they get to see a lot of themselves in me, and I see myself in them. I let them know where I grew up and where I went to school because I wanted to give them some inspiration.” 

For the last few years, Nix has served as Executive Director of the Lakers Youth Foundation. She worked with many non-profit organizations to provide positive experiences for youth and resources in education, health and wellness, and sports. 

Nix joins the ranks of African-American women in executive positions in the National Basketball Association (NBA), including Cynt Marshall, CEO of the Dallas Mavericks since 2018, and Melissa Proctor, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of the Atlanta Hawks.