Nikoa Evans is a trusted strategic advisor with over thirty years experience in building infrastructure and economic eco-systems for entrepreneurs in diverse communities. Her consultancy has advised national brands, retail developers, entrepreneurs, tourism agencies and economic development corporations on market entry strategy, consumer engagement, business development and commercial revitalization strategies in emerging U.S. markets. Past clients include national brands Uber, Uber Eats, Hendrick’s Gin, Jack Daniel’s, Whole Foods Market, and the economic development corporation Harlem Park to Park (HP2P) for which Nikoa served as a founding board member, strategic consultant, and Executive Director for 14 years. Prior to founding HP2P, Nikoa served as VP of Investments for the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone, managing a multi-million dollar commercial revitalization initiative. Evans also served as the Director of New Business Development for The Rouse Company, developer of the nation’s first enclosed malls, festival marketplaces and planned communities.An accomplished culture & lifestyle entrepreneur, Nikoa is a co-founder of Harlem Cultural Festival & Harlem Cultural Festival Foundation, an entertainment and social impact platform inspired by the Oscar Award winning documentary Summer of Soul. She is a former owner of mens and womens flagship retail store N Harlem NY; and Ruby's Vintage Kitchen & Bar. She has been featured in The Root, NY Times, Architectural Digest, New York Magazine, Women’s Wear Daily, USA Today, NBC News, CBS Sunday Morning, Good Morning America, Eater NY, Food Network’s Savoring Harlem, and other top media outlets. Nikoa is a former keynote speaker for TEDx Harlem; a recipient of City & State’s “Responsible 100” award and was presented with Proclamations from NY State Senate and the Office of the Manhattan Borough President in honor of her exemplary service and impact on the Harlem and NY state. She serves on the Board of Directors for Harlem Tourism Board and on the Executive Committee as Foundation Chair for Empire NYC Chapter, Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Evans received her B.A. in Economics from Stanford University & MBA from Northwestern J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management.