Micaiah Lugo is the Senior Program Manager at the Center for Youth Equity and the Violence Prevention Institute, where she manages youth-focused initiatives that elevate youth leadership, foster community collaboration, and advance violence prevention.
Before joining the Violence Prevention Institute, Micaiah worked in education advocating for the rights of children with special needs.
A California native, she earned her master’s degree in Applied Social Psychology in London, motivated by a deep interest in the Black experience across the globe. Her time abroad enriched her understanding of diverse cultures and histories and strengthened her commitment to advancing equity, unity, and justice.
Drawn to New Orleans for its rich traditions, resilience, and potential for change, Micaiah works to address the needs of underrepresented communities through creativity, collective care, and youth empowerment. She believes in dismantling systems that no longer serve us and making space for new light through collective care, creativity, and joy.