INFORMATION FOR
Major: Sociology
Current Title: Executive Director, After-School All-Stars New Jersey
Dr. Naima Ricks is the executive director of After-School All-Stars New Jersey, where she oversees the strategic vision, program development, and operational management, ensuring the successful delivery of quality afterschool programs that support thousands of students across the state. She has worked tirelessly to improve her hometown of Roselle, New Jersey, a community she has been a part of since the age of two. In 2013, Naima was elected to the Roselle Board of Education and served as vice president, making her its youngest elected official. For the past six years, she has been included on InsiderNJ’s African American Power List; she also has been named “Role Model of the Year” by the Roselle Branch NAACP, and most recently was named one of New Jersey’s Top Women Leaders. Naima earned a master's degree and a doctorate in higher education leadership, management, and policy from Seton Hall University, where she received the 2024 Alumni Impact Award for her dedication to her community. An active volunteer, she serves as second vice president of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Gamma Omicron Zeta Chapter, is a member of Impact100 Essex, and chair of the board of directors for Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey, leading efforts to empower and develop young girls into future leaders. Additionally, she serves on the William Paterson University Alumni Council, helping to engage alumni and enhance student experiences. Naima recently authored her first book, The Empowerment ABC’s, available on Amazon.com.
Proudest Professional Accomplishment: “One of my proudest professional accomplishments is serving as the executive director of After-School All-Stars New Jersey. In this role, I have the privilege of positively impacting the lives of thousands of students across New Jersey, helping them to succeed both in school and in life. Through our quality afterschool programs, we provide critical academic support, enrichment activities, and life skills that empower students from underserved communities. Knowing that my leadership contributes to their success and personal growth is deeply fulfilling and aligns with my passion for youth development and education.”
WP Pride. “Attending William Paterson University was a pivotal experience in my professional journey, particularly due to the fact that I was elected by my peers to serve as president of the Student Government Association during my senior year. This position truly changed my life. It allowed me to step into a leadership role where I could actively advocate for student needs while working directly with top administrators. The experience not only sharpened my leadership and advocacy skills but also exposed me to the inner workings of educational institutions. It was during this time that I realized my passion for the field of education, especially in supporting both in-classroom and out-of-classroom learning. This transformative experience set the foundation for my career, where I continue to champion the importance of education and youth development! I am beyond grateful for the amazing relationships that I have developed from my experience at WP. Thank you to everyone who believed in me!
