Mrs. Ladan Nikravan is a respected community leader and longtime advocate for education, economic empowerment, and the advancement of underserved communities throughout New York’s Capital Region. She has been an active member of the Capital Region community for more than thirty years and is widely recognized for her contributions to nonprofit leadership, youth development, and community service.
Mrs. Nikravan began her career with Centro Civico of Amsterdam, Inc., a nonprofit, community-based organization in Amsterdam, New York, in 1989. She was initially hired to coordinate the Liberty Partnership Program (LPP), funded through the New York State Education Department, which provided support to students at risk of dropping out of high school. Under her leadership, the program evolved into a statewide, community-based model recognized for its effectiveness and its graduation rate of more than 95%.
Within six months of joining the organization, she was promoted to Deputy Director of Operations. Three years later, she became the second individual to serve as Executive Director of Centro Civico, a position in which she provided leadership and strategic direction for many years.
During her tenure, Centro Civico expanded its programs and services to better serve children and families throughout the Capital Region. Under her leadership, the organization became recognized as a model service provider, implementing innovative educational and intervention strategies that created opportunities for transformation within Hispanic and low-income communities. She also helped grow the agency’s annual operating budget to approximately $2 million and successfully secured the resources necessary to purchase and renovate property for its operations. These efforts resulted in Centro Civico’s ownership of an entire city block, now home to the La Segunda Casa Community Center, reflecting the organization’s commitment to its slogan, “Building Community One Block at a Time.”
Mrs. Nikravan holds a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from the State University of New York at Albany. Her professional experience also includes serving as Director of Education at Stratford Business School and Student Adviser at Siena College.
Community and Board Leadership
Throughout her career, Mrs. Nikravan has demonstrated a strong commitment to civic engagement and community development. She has served on numerous boards and committees, contributing her expertise and leadership to organizations dedicated to education, healthcare, economic development, cultural preservation, and social services.
Organizations and boards on which she has served include:
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Fulmont Action Agency
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Amsterdam Waterfront Foundation
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New York State Folklore Society
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New York State Human Rights Council
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Albany-Schenectady League of Arts
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WMHT, TV Stations 17 and 45
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The Women’s Building
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Capital District Hospice
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Center for Women in Government
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Amsterdam YMCA
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St. Mary’s Hospital
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Regents Commission on Library Services
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Rockefeller Center for Women in Government & Civil Society
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Amsterdam-Florida-Glen Empire Zone
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Nutrition Consortium of NYS
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The Art Center of the Capital Region
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Girl Scouts of New York (Multicultural)
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School of Public Health Prevention Research Center Community Advisory Board
Additional board service includes:
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Whitney M. Young Jr. Health Services
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Center for the Elimination of Minority Health Disparities, University at Albany
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Mohawk Valley Economic Development District, Inc.
Advisory Board Service
Mrs. Nikravan has also contributed her knowledge and experience to several advisory boards, including:
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Federal Bureau of Investigation Multicultural Advisory Board
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New York Latino Research and Resources Network Advisory Board
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Fulton-Montgomery Community College Human Services Advisory Board
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School of Social Welfare, State University of New York at Albany
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NY Connects State Long Term Care Advisory Council
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Alzheimer’s Association of New York State
Special Awards and Recognitions
In recognition of her professional achievements, community leadership, and dedication to public service, Mrs. Nikravan has received numerous awards and honors, including:
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2010: Ladan Alomar Endowed Scholarship Fund
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2009: La Estrella Award, Capital District 100 Hispanic Women
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2008: New York State Senate Woman of Distinction, presented by Senator Hugh T. Farley
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2007: Director’s Community Leadership Award, Federal Bureau of Investigation
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2007: Advancing the Status of Women Award, Soroptimist International of Fulton County
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2005: Governor’s Award for Excellence, Women’s History Month
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2001: Community Service Award, Latino Association at the State University of New York at Albany
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2001: Minority Small Business Advocate Award, U.S. Small Business Administration
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1999: Excellence in Community Service Award, South American Spanish Association
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1999: Community Service Award, John Boshart Award, Fulmont Community Action Center
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1998: Community Service Award, Psychological Association of Northeastern New York
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1998: Community Service Award, Centro Civico Hispano-Americano, Albany, New York
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1997: Special Citizen Award, The Salvation Army
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1997: Community Service Award, Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce
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1995: Service Award, New York State Division of Human Rights
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1994: Humanitarian Award, Latin American Caribbean Cultural Arts Festival
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1992: Leadership Award, New York State Hispanic Youth Institute, New York State Legislature
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1990: New York Learns Documentary Recognition for Outstanding Achievements through the Liberty Partnership Program
Mrs. Nikravan’s professional journey reflects decades of dedication to strengthening communities, expanding educational opportunities, and creating pathways for individuals and families to succeed. Her contributions to nonprofit leadership and community development have left a lasting impact throughout the Capital Region and beyond.