About
Nikisha Alcindor is an AI-focused strategic management leader with expertise in artificial intelligence operational management, machine learning, and curriculum creation for organizations undergoing digital transformation. Her work bridges business strategy, emerging technologies, and workforce development—helping companies leverage AI to solve complex problems, drive innovation, and cultivate future-ready talent.
In 2025, Dr. Alcindor was named a Unstoppable WOW3's Most Inspirational Women of Web3 & AI. She has her Ph.D. in Business (Strategic Management) at the Graduate Center of The City University of New York (CUNY), Baruch College – Zicklin School of Business, where she was a CUNY Graduate Center Fellow and Provost Enhancement Fellow. Dr. Alcindor is a member of Beta Gamma Sigma, the International Business Honor Society. She is an Assistant Professor at the Saunders College of Business, Rochester Institute of Technology.
Nikisha's professional background spans investing, fundraising, organizational change, and public-sector development. She previously served as a Board Member for the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone, contributing strategic guidance to economic and community initiatives. She holds a BA in Chemistry from Emory University and a Finance-focused MBA from Columbia Business School, where she was a Leon Cooperman Scholar.
Dr. Alcindor is committed to helping organizations and leaders harness the potential of artificial intelligence to shape smarter, more resilient futures.
Research
Dr. Alcindor's research applies machine learning and artificial intelligence to improve the success rates of Mergers & Acquisitions by uncovering patterns in data that impact strategic decision-making. If you are interested in working in one of Dr. Alcindor's research labs, fill out the form below.
Research Labs
- Using AI to improve Mergers & Acquisitions
- AI Operational Management - Firm Performance and Quantum Computing
- Trends in STEM Education
Dr. Alcindor also collaborates with organizations seeking expertise across these areas, pairing quantitative rigor with the operating discipline that artificial intelligence demands. If you are interested in collaborating on research, fill out the form below.
Teaching
As an educator and curriculum designer, she has developed the Masters of Wealth Management at Columbia University and taught AI-integrated coursework and master classes at institutions including Columbia Business School and Baruch College. Her innovative approach to teaching has earned her the 2021 Dean Huss Teaching Award and recognition as a 2021 Harvard Rising Scholars Conference Presenter.
Rochester Institute of Technology, Saunders College of Business
- Introduction to Business
- In development for 2027 — AI Strategic Management & Leading AI-Powered Teams
Baruch College
- Business Policy (Fall 2021, 2022)
- Management (2024)
Columbia University
- Associate, Financial Accounting — Columbia Business School
- Master Class — NYC Innovative and Entrepreneurial Solutions to the City's Complex Challenges
STEM Educational Institute, Inc.
- Introduction to Python and Financial Analysis
News
The Wall Street Journal · CIO Journal
AI Opportunity and the STEM Educational Institute
Featuring Nikisha D. Alcindor and NVIDIA leaders
Dr. Alcindor joined NVIDIA leaders for a Wall Street Journal CIO Journal conversation on AI opportunity, workforce development, and the STEM Educational Institute's work preparing communities for the AI era.
"The opportunity in AI is not just about technology — it's about who gets to participate in building the future. The STEM Educational Institute is focused on making sure underserved communities are not left behind as artificial intelligence reshapes work, education, and the economy."
Service & Recognition
The Graduate Center, Baruch College, City University of New York
- Member - Beta Gamma Sigma, International Business Honor Society
- 2025 Winner - Most Inspirational Women of Web3 and AI - WOW3
- 2024 IT Fellow – Baruch College
- 2021, 2024 - Doctoral Student Research Grant (DSRG) awardee
- 2020 - H. Fenwick Huss Teaching Award
- MIT Computational Organization Science Summer School at M.I.T.
- CUNY Graduate Center Fellow
- CUNY - The Provost Enhancement Fellow
- Grace Hopper Scholar 2020, 2021 – Women in STEM
- Strategic Management Conference Volunteer, 2020
Columbia Business School
- Leon Cooperman Scholar
- Dean’s List
Emory College
- Dean’s List
Professional Memberships
- NVIDIA Inception Program, Member
- Academy of Management, Member
- Strategic Management Society, Member
- Ph.D. Project Management Faculty Association, Member
- Forte Foundation, Member and Speaker
- Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone Corporation, Former Board Member
- STEM Educational Institute, Inc. – Nonprofit that provides free programming in STEM to underserved populations across the United States.
Book An Appointment
Introduction
15 Minute Meeting
Complimentary · Virtual
Interested in research, collaborating, consulting, or building something smart with AI? I love working on projects where strategy, technology, and impact intersect—from AI-driven systems to education, data, and innovation. If you have a bold idea, a real problem, or just want to explore what's possible, let's talk.
Book an introductionStrategy Kickstart
30 Minute Meeting
$200 · Virtual or In-person
This is a deeper-dive session if you want real strategy not surface level advice. I'll unpack your consulting opportunity, AI project, or big idea, pressure-test it, and map out a smart, actionable path forward. Come with questions, context, and ambition and leave with clarity and a plan.
Book a strategy kickstartAI Operational Management Assessment
1 Hour
Contact for Pricing · Virtual or In-person
This in-depth session is designed for leaders who want to use AI to drive real operational performance, not just experiment with tools. I'll assess how AI can improve workflows, decision-making, and execution across your organization, identifying where efficiency, scale, and ROI can be unlocked. You'll leave with a clear, practical path to increase performance firm-wide.
Request an assessmentPayment terms
All sessions are paid in full at the time of booking. Your appointment is confirmed once payment is received. Cancellations or rescheduling requests must be made at least 24 hours in advance of the scheduled session to receive a full refund or credit toward a future session. Cancellations made within 24 hours of the session, or failure to attend (no-shows), are non-refundable. If I need to reschedule due to unforeseen circumstances, you will be offered the option to reschedule at a mutually convenient time or receive a full refund. By booking a session, you acknowledge and agree to this policy.
Contact
Feel free to contact me with questions or comments, or write directly to info@nikishaalcindor.com.