Nigel O. Holly
Founder & Executive Director
Public Speaker | Youth Advocate | Thought Leader
| Community Empowerment Developer
Future Leaders California was founded by Nigel O. Holly, a respected leader in youth advocacy, community development, and restorative justice. With more than two decades of experience empowering at-promise youth across Los Angeles County, Nigel has shaped FLC into one of the region’s most impactful youth-centered organizations.
A Vision Rooted in Lived Experience
Nigel’s story begins in South Central Los Angeles, where he grew up as an at-promise youth navigating many of the same challenges faced by the students he now serves. His personal journey, from adversity to advocacy, has shaped his commitment to justice, mentorship, and community transformation.
After relocating to the Antelope Valley more than 20 years ago, Nigel emerged as an advocate for youth development, social equity, and community-based intervention strategies. His career reflects a powerful blend of lived experience, academic training, and strategic leadership.
Birth of Future Leaders California
Nigel founded Future Leaders California to address a persistent and urgent need: the lack of culturally relevant, compassionate, and consistent mentorship for youth who are disproportionately impacted by challenges such as truancy, academic disconnection, and limited access to positive role models.
What began as a grassroots effort evolved into a full-scale nonprofit anchored in mentorship, life coaching, and restorative justice. FLC was designed to fill a gap: bridging schools, families, communities, and youth through trauma-informed support and leadership development.
Nigel built FLC on the belief that every young person deserves access to opportunity, empowerment, and a path toward success, regardless of their starting point.
Founder of the Community Attendance Assistance Program (CAAP)
Under Nigel’s leadership, Future Leaders California established the Community Attendance Assistance Program (CAAP), a flagship model that has transformed school attendance and youth engagement.
CAAP integrates:
- Educational Life Coaching
- Leadership Development
- Restorative Justice Practices
- Culturally Relevant Programming
- Parent & Community Engagement
Its foundational framework, the 4 E’s of Life Coaching: Existing, Envision, Execution, and Evaluation, was created by Nigel as a youth-centered model for personal growth and resilience.
CAAP is now recognized as one of the most effective intervention strategies for supporting chronically absent and at-promise youth throughout the Antelope Valley.
Leadership & Community Impact
Outside of FLC, Nigel serves as the Youth Development and Diversion Supervisor for the City of Lancaster’s PARCS Department, where he advances policy, prevention initiatives, and community-based solutions for youth and families.
His leadership extends across multiple sectors:
Nigel brings visionary leadership and a deep commitment to community empowerment through his service on several influential boards. He proudly contributes his expertise and advocacy to the California Association of Youth Courts, Legacy Edutainment, and the California Institute of Health and Social Services. His passion for cultural storytelling and educational advancement is reflected in his work with The Society of African American Narratives (TSAAN) and Parents, Educators/Teachers, and Students in Action (PESA). Additionally, Nigel serves as a national affiliate with Pen or Pencil, The Community Action League, and the National Alliance of Faith and Justice—extending his impact beyond the local level to help shape meaningful change nationwide.
He also coordinates the L.A. County Teen Court Program in the Antelope Valley, ensuring young people receive restorative justice opportunities rather than punitive responses.
National Recognition & Speaking Engagements
Nigel’s work has earned recognition from:
- The White House
- U.S. Congress
- California State Assembly
- California State Senate
He is a two-time recipient of the Presidential Service Award for his dedication to mentoring and social equity.
In 2023, Nigel was invited to speak at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. by the 400 Years of African American History Federal Commission, where he highlighted youth leadership initiatives developed in the Antelope Valley.
Creative Leadership & Curriculum Development
Nigel is also a:
- Published Author
- Playwright
- Curriculum Developer
- Community Activist
- Pioneer: Justice Sunday Arts Initiative and Teen Talk Initiative
His creative works explore identity, resilience, and healing, reinforcing his belief that mentorship is not just intervention, but inspiration.
Available for Purchase Now: Life From a Darker Perspective by Nigel Onikoyi
A Founder with Heart
As a father of four, Nigel understands firsthand the importance of guidance, support, and opportunity. His message is consistent across every platform:
Blessings know no borders or bloodlines. They are for all, every race, every creed, every child bold enough to believe in their own becoming.
Future Leaders California stands as a powerful extension of that belief, working every day to transform lives, uplift communities, and prepare the next generation of leaders.
Interested in Bringing FLC Programs or Nigel’s Leadership to Your School or Organization?
Contact Us at info@futureleaderscalifornia.org
Future Leaders California 