Nakiessa Abbassi (she/her)

Director of Resource Development and Research

Nakiessa (pronounced nuh-key-sa) is a Los Angeles-based food justice researcher, advocate, writer, and home cook. In the past, she has worked on developing practical, equitable policy solutions through collaboration with nonprofits, public agencies, and community organizations. She has conducted research on urban governance, climate adaptation, urban agriculture, food justice, and stakeholder engagement, with a particular emphasis on advancing resilience in the Los Angeles region. She is passionate about strengthening organizations and developing evidence-based policies and plans that can strengthen communities and promote equitable access to essential resources. Nakiessa received her Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Oregon in 2026, where she focused her studies on environmental justice and urban resilience.