Meet The Founder, Nigeria Segure-Watson

At TGIC, we work to combat social problems that are prevalent in marginalized communities through innovation, design, and critical and creative thinking. We work to build a community of young girls who can curate positive and innovative solutions to solve social concerns they are MOST passionate about. 

I am Nigeria Imani, Founder and CEO. I am also a natural-born leader, problem solver, and creative who has always been eager to determine solutions for so many problems that arise.  I put these qualities on a larger scale and wanted to design a space for girls to lead as well as create impact and be the voice for their creations.

In simpler terms, I wanted to combine my love for youth advocacy and creativity to reimagine how we engage youth in inner cities. Creativity is a vessel for how we determine our change-making solutions. If we didn’t have the space to think abstractly and engage the imagination, we just wouldn’t be unique!

• Where are you from?

  I am a Brooklyn, New York native! Born in Bed-Stuy, raised in Crown Heights.

• What made you start TGIC?

  I commonly quote, “Creativity and Innovation are my jumper cables”. With personal passions ranging from fashion and creative directing to radio journalism, creativity has always been my spark. I am also a natural-born leader, problem solver, and advocate who has always been eager to determine solutions for so many problems that arise. I put these qualities on a larger scale and wanted to design a space for girls to one, lead. two, design solutions for problems that they are passionate about, and three, be the voice for their creations. In simpler terms, I wanted to combine my love for youth advocacy and creativity to reimagine how we engage youth in inner-cities. I looked around and noticed we have many who are doing STEM clubs, sports, dancing, and music but, what about the forms of creativity and arts that exist in STEAM outlets? How can we create a lane that allows our creatives and tech-savvy girls that exist in a way that is impactful and change-making.

• What is your "why"?

  I began my career in youth advocacy and education reform at the age of fourteen years old. For ten years, I have spent time operating, coordinating, and facilitating numerous programs in an effort to create a forum for youth leadership for non-profit organizations across the country. Throughout my journey, I have worked to make an impact within underserved, minority communities for I want to continue to demonstrate the possibilities youth can have if granted the same opportunities I was given throughout my adolescent years.

• What does success mean to you?

  Success is the reward after what is considered “a failure”. It is being able to reach a goal, to achieve a milestone, or to make an impact. Most importantly, it is the ability to get back up again!

• Where do you want to see TGIC in five years?

  Halfway, or over halfway to our Ten-Year Goals! Simply put, we will be…

  • Expanding into other East Coast cities

  • Have TGIC social solutions implemented into our communities through a law or policy of some kind.

  • Reaching hundreds of girls through our work and helping them gain professionally recognized certification in creative and tech industries.

• What do you love the most about what you do?

  I get to build a community of young girls who demonstrate who I was and who I am still growing to be!

• Where's your go to spot in Baltimore for a bite?

  Right now, Taharka Bros is my go-to, specifically Cookie Dough flavor! I also love Taste This and anything in the Northeast Market.

• When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?

  When I was little, I was sure I would be a hip-hop rapping hair stylist either that, or a lawyer - all the things.

• What are your hobbies or interests?

  Cooking for my family, anything that has to do with glamor like makeup and hair, a good opportunity to try new things like food and experiences - all things creative, no matter the medium!

• What is an interesting fact about you?

  I can say all 50 states in alphabetical order. Alabama, Alaska, Arizona…you can get the rest after meeting me! Haha.

• What advice would you give to your younger self?

  Specifically to teenage Nigeria, I have a lot to say! She was so ambitious! I would say to my younger self that discipline determines your destiny. It’s important you remain focused, have tunnel vision, and are dedicated to anything you want to reach in your future. Your future starts today.