Our Story
NISEA was created out of a desire to address the current political climate and its attack on both education as well as diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging (DEIJB) efforts nationwide. In a society where there is already an existing disparity in educational opportunities, this program is needed now more than ever. Our college access program is designed to help middle and high schoolers from underrepresented and underserved communities gain access to opportunities within the STEMM fields that will inspire and open doors for the rest of their lives.
Lorriane Angelique Jones, the National Executive Director of the NISEA STEMM Research and
Mentoring Program, is unwavering in her commitment to empowering historically
underrepresented youth in STEMM fields. Her dedication to equity, innovation, and opportunity is
insprining as she steers the organization's strategic direction, program expansion, and impactful
initiatives that unite students, mentors, and communities across the nation.
With over fifteen years of leadership experience, Lorraine has been a driving force behind
initiatives that bridge opportunity gaps and foster inclusive excellence. Under her guidance,
NISEA is on the path to national recognition, offering hands-on STEMM research experiences and
meaningful mentorship to thousands of youth each year.
As a PhD candidate in Educational Leadership at Penn State University, Lorraine has honed her
skills in designing and implementing culturally responsive STEMM leadership training and
curricula that embrace justice, identity, and social equity. Her research into the cultural
mechanisms within STEMM research mentoring relationships for underrepresented youth is a
significant and impactful contribution to the field. Before joining NISEA, she led statewide
Global Science and Environment initiatives at Penn State, managed several businesses and a
large public institution's program budget, and partnered with industry leaders to promote
diversity in STEMM.
Driven by her passion for systemic change, Lorraine collaborates closely with families,
educators, universities, policymakers, and donors to ensure that every student has the
opportunity to thrive in STEMM fields, regardless of their background. Her visionary leadership
will continue to forge impactful partnerships with leading institutions and secure vital resources
to enhance NISEA's influence.
Aside from her professional achievements, Lorraine is a compelling speaker and a dedicated
advocate for social justice. She shares her insights at conferences, workshops, and public forums,
inspiring others to take action with her passion for equity. Lorraine also plays a crucial role as a
mentor, guiding emerging leaders in the nonprofit and STEMM sectors and shaping the next
generation of equity-focused leaders.
Beyond her commitment to NISEA's mission, Lorraine finds joy in a variety of personal
interests. She enjoys gardening, listening to music, volunteering in her community, creating
TikToks with her grandson, and most importantly, spending quality time with her family. These
personal pursuits not only bring balance to her life but also reinforce her belief that by
empowering youth and communities today, we can create a more innovative, inclusive, equitable
and sustainable change tomorrow.