At Persist Nashville, we believe that strong leadership fuels strong outcomes for students. That’s why we are proud to welcome five dynamic leaders to our Board of Directors, each bringing unique expertise, passion, and vision to strengthen our mission of helping students get to and through college.
Dr. Tamika Williams
Dr. Tamika Williams serves as Vice President of Student Formation and Dean of Students at Belmont University, where she oversees 11 departments dedicated to student success. A first-generation college graduate from Little Rock, Arkansas, Dr. Williams knows firsthand the transformative power of higher education. With degrees from Fisk University, the University of Arkansas, and East Carolina University, she brings both lived experience and professional excellence to her work in student affairs.
Mariam Rezk
A Belmont University alumna, Mariam Rezk currently works at HCA Healthcare as a Product Analyst through the Technical Resident Program. During her time at Belmont, Mariam served as a campus lead with Persist, and today she continues to serve as a Student Board Member. She is especially passionate about using data to tell stories, solve problems, and develop community-driven solutions that create lasting impact.
Aggie Riley
Aggie Riley is an HR Manager at Nephila Advisors and a graduate of Vanderbilt University, where she studied Human and Organizational Development. She began her career at Cox in Atlanta, supporting early career development programs. With a strong commitment to higher education access, Aggie will serve as a board intern after completing the Young Leaders Council program.
John Lueken
As a Partner at Arlington Family Offices, John Lueken is a seasoned investment leader and senior member of the firm’s investment team. With an MBA from Columbia University and early career experience at Goldman Sachs, John brings deep expertise in finance and stewardship. Beyond his professional work, his nonprofit board service reflects a passion for education, conservation, and preparing the next generation for success.
Subira Gordon
Subira Gordon, CEO of the Nashville Charter Collaborative, brings extensive experience in education advocacy. As a first-generation college student and immigrant, Subira understands the challenges and opportunities students face. She champions education excellence, leadership development, and building systems that truly support student success.
Together, these five leaders embody Persist Nashville’s values of persistence, purpose, and progress. Their voices and expertise will help guide our work as we continue to ensure that every student in Nashville has the support, resources, and community they need to persist through college and step into meaningful careers.
We are honored to welcome them to our board and excited about the future we will build together.