About

Ijana Nathaniel is a distinguished female leader who has significantly impacted the education sector. She is the founder and president of Dare 2 Dream Leaders Inc, a nonprofit organization established in 2010. Ijana has hosted annual youth summits and pitch contests for middle and high school students through the organization. Ijana serves as an Adjunct professor at CUNY NYC College of Technology. She is an accomplished public speaker and has been invited to speak at prestigious universities such as Penn State, Fordham University, and the University of Arkansas, as well as at the Department of Mental Health and Hygiene.

Ijana holds an undergraduate degree in Human Services from CUNY New York City College of Technology, a Masters in Organizational Leadership from Nyack College, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Education in Leadership & Innovation at Marymount University. Her academic qualifications are an integral part of her career, as she uses them to teach her students and youth in the nonprofit organization to be leaders. Her motto is "What would you do if you knew you could not fail."

In addition to her work with Dare 2 Dream Leaders Inc, Ijana is a corporate leader at Con Edison and also serves as the President of Toastmasters of Con Edison club. She has been recognized for her leadership and contributions, receiving the 2012 CNG Brooklyn Women of Distinction Award and the 2022 Living Our Values Award from Con Edison. She has also been a featured guest on the Drew Barrymore Talk Show.

As a college professor, Ijana is most proud of the opportunity to impact her students beyond the classroom. Her positive energy, ambitious nature, kindness, and outgoing personality are some of the traits that make her stand out as a leader in her field. When she's not working, Ijana enjoys spending time with her two children, indulging in karaoke, and traveling.