executive BOARD OF ADVISORS
Nadiyah Johnson, our education in technology advisor currently works at Marquette University as a Computer Science Professor. She has also worked at GE Healthcare as a technical product manager in data analytics. She graduated from Marquette University with a master’s in computational science and is currently pursuing a PhD with a focus on computational science and mental health. Her research is predominantly geared toward mobile health (mHealth). Nadiyah’s research has granted her recognition at several conferences around the globe.
Nadiyah’s passion for diversity in STEM led her to launch Jet Constellations. Jet Constellations is a software company that functions to promote STEM education in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, consult tech-oriented start-ups and build a nurturing ecosystem of techies and entrepreneurs. As the founder of Jet Constellations, Nadiyah aims to rebrand Milwaukee as “The Milky Way” – a tech hub representative of Milwaukee’s diverse population. Nadiyah enjoys painting and teaching computer science in her free time
Aquilla Battle is on the board of advisors for Black Equity and Policy Institute. Prior to becoming a board member, Aquilla became a Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner with a passion for addressing health disparities and social determinants. She completed her bachelors and masters of science in nursing at Purdue University Global with a focus as a Family Nurse Practitioner. In addition to her career as a Family Nurse Practitioner, Aquilla served as a professor at Bryant and Stratton College as co-lead of the Licensed Practical Nurse program. Aquilla has 20 years of experience in healthcare that has allowed her to confidently function as a staff nurse, supervisor and a nurse manager for a team of 30 individuals who performed nursing and therapy duties. Aquilla was also a member of process improvement and shared governance committees that allowed her to develop multiple initiatives, review and revise nursing policy and be a voice for the nursing community within the healthcare organization.
Aquilla Battle is also passionate about the advancement of African Americans and supports growth in her community by guiding, inspiring, and mentoring aspiring nursing students to completion of a nursing degree. Aquilla also serves the community by providing vital healthcare information, organizing health fairs and performing health screening that removes the barrier of access and cost that can be a deterrent for her target population. Aquilla has also volunteered for various organizations that share her mission such as Black Nurses Rock, Black Nurses Association of Wisconsin, American Heart Association and local Churches as a Faith Community Nurse.
Aquilla enjoys spending time with her husband Wayne and identical twins, Nathan and Nicholas playing video games, playing music and singing, cooking, reading, swimming and making memories. She spends most of her spare time mentoring and supporting aspiring nurses on various platforms. She has a drive that propels her towards lifelong learning activities and has recently enrolled in post graduate school to obtain her Doctorate in Nursing. Aquilla is dedicated to giving back to her community with a focus on improved health, education and financial stability.