How The Niles Foundation Was Founded
Family, Music, Community and Purpose
The Niles Foundation was founded by Shante Walker the granddaughter of King Charles Mac Niles. Niles was born in St. Thomas-Virgin Islands and had dreams of being the greatest Calypso musician here in the States he could be. He was often referred to as "Calypso Mac Niles" or "King Mac Niles," and King Charles Mac Niles. Yes, that's right "King" because Niles's father was of high and prestigious leadership where he was born in Nigeria. Niles was signed to Columbia pictures and has appeared in multiple films such as Affair In Trinidad, Calypso Heat Wave, and Run for Your Life. Fairness, diversity and inclusion were almost invisible during his time, but Niles was highly sought for his ability to speak eight fluent languages , singing and writing music most relative to his career, songs in his father's native language igbo a popular Nigerian language. Ultimately, Niles acquired high profile friends working with well know musicians like Desi Arnaz, amongst others, and passed on the Niles family gifts to all of his offspring.
Niles's granddaughter (Shante) born of his daughter (D.M. Niles) both are also musicians at heart like Niles, and have performed throughout Los Angeles creating their own names in music. Like Niles, Shante created her own footprints adding philanthropic projects and milestones to give back to her communities to build equity. While Niles toured as an established musician and enjoyed the finer things in life, his family and generational direction would later help to build what we now know as The Niles Foundation. Los Angeles, CA was a very different place in the '50s and '60s, with a heavy stain on inequalities, racism and limited opportunities for people of color. Fortunately, the 90s that granddaughter Niles (Shante) grew up in would challenge this.
After Niles passed while his granddaughter was only 12, this is where she believes that her true gifts and talents took place. She used all her gifts and talents to bring honor to her family "Niles" but found even greater purpose focusing on bringing honor to all communities alike that have been overlooked, underserved and underrepresented. This is how and why The Niles Foundation was founded. The Niles Foundation believes that by offering environmental long-term sustainability that it will stimulate economic growth and that by building equity for all our youth, that our youth would inspire each other helping to make greater critical decisions earlier way before highschool graduation. The Niles Foundation stands with women which is also why we have built project-based programs to increase autonomy, independence, community, action, and change for all.
Whether you are discovering your gifts and or talents, or creating new direction, we want you to know that you have a place to come to help empower, stimulate and support you. The Niles Foundation was built for you!
Meet Our Leadership Team
SHANTE WALKER
SHANTE WALKER
SHANTE WALKER
FOUNDER & CEO
Shante Walker founded The Niles Foundation because she believes that our local communities are missing equality and equity. Shante has led organizations, trained & developed leaders, managed staff-employees, and taught-mentored students K-12. She is dedicated to increasing the quality of life for all.
Shante studied computer s
FOUNDER & CEO
Shante Walker founded The Niles Foundation because she believes that our local communities are missing equality and equity. Shante has led organizations, trained & developed leaders, managed staff-employees, and taught-mentored students K-12. She is dedicated to increasing the quality of life for all.
Shante studied computer science, music education, business, liberal arts, and psychology, obtaining her third degree a Master's in Psychology of Leadership with a study concentration in OL &D, diversity and inclusion, & employee and staff management from Penn State University.
Shante is providing creative solutions, creating free-thinkers, and building community. She believes in education, sustainable action and change. She is a musician (yes), a tennis player (a little rusty), and super fun (a goof-troop) off the clock. Shante loves to give back!
KIMBERLY LEE
SHANTE WALKER
SHANTE WALKER
COMMUNITY RELATIONS DIRECTOR
Kimberly Lee is a Los Angeles native who wears several hats. She is an educator, public speaker, events host, community volunteer, and active songwriter-musician.
Kimberly brings her rich education and experience and deep ties to the foundation from working with the community of over 20 years as a dedicated LA
COMMUNITY RELATIONS DIRECTOR
Kimberly Lee is a Los Angeles native who wears several hats. She is an educator, public speaker, events host, community volunteer, and active songwriter-musician.
Kimberly brings her rich education and experience and deep ties to the foundation from working with the community of over 20 years as a dedicated LAUSD middle school English, and Art History teacher.
Kimberly has worked with several organizations including UNICEF, Music Cares, & The Trevor Project, and has created Vocal Workshops for at-risk youth. She is an avid reader, documentary fan, world traveler, and nature lover. She currently lives in Los Feliz with her partner and adorable dog, Monty.
MR. J
SHANTE WALKER
WSHANA MOSS
DIRECTOR OF FUNDRAISING
Mr. Gordon connects our local communities and businesses to our 501c3 non-profit through education, collaboration and relationship building.
Mr. Gordon is an advit animal lover, a music enthusiast, an agent of change, and holds multiple ties to our local communities.
Mr. Gordon's creative background includes writing
DIRECTOR OF FUNDRAISING
Mr. Gordon connects our local communities and businesses to our 501c3 non-profit through education, collaboration and relationship building.
Mr. Gordon is an advit animal lover, a music enthusiast, an agent of change, and holds multiple ties to our local communities.
Mr. Gordon's creative background includes writing vignettes (short stories), commercial and residential real estate, teaching, and languages. Mr. Gordon believes in equity for all.
WSHANA MOSS
KAYLEN ALFRED
WSHANA MOSS
DIRECTOR OF SP & OPERATIONS
Wshana is an entrepreneur, a philanthropist and a creative who has a passion for helping people. She strives to use her gifts and talents to make a positive impact in the world.
In addition, Wshana has multiple years of experience helping and consulting businesses to reach their end goals and achieve success.
DIRECTOR OF SP & OPERATIONS
Wshana is an entrepreneur, a philanthropist and a creative who has a passion for helping people. She strives to use her gifts and talents to make a positive impact in the world.
In addition, Wshana has multiple years of experience helping and consulting businesses to reach their end goals and achieve success. She believes that everyone has a unique purpose and encourages those around her to dream big and seek to become the best version of themselves.
Wshana loves singing, songwriting, working out and playing sports. One of her favorite mottos is “Together We Rise!”
KAYLEN ALFRED
KAYLEN ALFRED
KAYLEN ALFRED
PROGRAM SUPPORT MANAGER
Kaylen Alfred provides creative solutions that connect to our local community's needs.
Kaylen has a creative background that includes, culinary arts, entertainment, education, art, teaching, and youth support. She has appeared on reality and talk shows, is a huge advocate for social justice, and is currently worki
PROGRAM SUPPORT MANAGER
Kaylen Alfred provides creative solutions that connect to our local community's needs.
Kaylen has a creative background that includes, culinary arts, entertainment, education, art, teaching, and youth support. She has appeared on reality and talk shows, is a huge advocate for social justice, and is currently working with youth.
Kaylen believes that the world is a blank canvas and that we must help our youth to begin seeing the world with new colors. Kaylen is an animal hugger, an artist, and a unique soul!
We Build Equity & Provide Access
Youth, Education, Women & Sustainable
Our goal is to increase equity and equality through free programs that meet the need of our LMI communities. Please contact us to find out more information about signing up.
We Are Hands-On & Project-Based
Throughout the year we create and host numerous events in connection to our nonprofit such as sustainable education, classes, workshops and special celebrations. Also, we find collaborating with other organizations and individuals who share in the same purpose and goals valuable.
We are happy to collaborate!