Nabaa spoke recently about her time as an online student at the U and how her graduate work at the School of Education and Human Development helps fuel her success in the world of sports and entertainment.
Why did you choose the University of Miami and UOnline for your master's and doctoral degrees?
I chose the University of Miami because of its strong academic reputation, respected faculty, and commitment to innovation and excellence. UOnline also provided the flexibility I needed as a full-time entrepreneur and executive, while still offering a rigorous academic experience that aligned with my professional and long-term goals. The University allowed me to pursue advanced education without sacrificing the quality of learning or the credibility of the program.
What did you enjoy most about your experience?
What I enjoyed most was the ability to immediately apply what I was learning in the classroom to my professional work in real time. The coursework challenged me to think critically, strengthen my leadership skills, and develop solutions that were both strategic and sustainable. I also valued the academic environment that encouraged meaningful dialogue and growth.
My experience with UOnline was incredible from start to finish. Returning to school as an adult is not easy, but the support I received made all the difference. My UM family helped carry me through one of the most difficult moments of my life. I will always be grateful for the encouragement, compassion, and support I received, and I am forever thankful to be a part of the University of Miami community.
What are some of the biggest lessons you learned?
One of the biggest lessons I learned through both my master's and doctoral programs is that impactful leadership requires a balance of strategy, structure, and adaptability. I gained a deeper understanding of how research-based frameworks and systems thinking can be applied to real-world challenges to drive measurable outcomes. Most importantly, the experience strengthened my ability to design and lead initiatives that are not only meaningful, but scalable, sustainable, and rooted in intentional purpose.
How have you used what you learned in your career?
I use what I learned daily in my work leading athlete-led philanthropic initiatives and managing large-scale community programs across multiple cities. The knowledge I gained has strengthened my ability to design programs intentionally, build strategic partnerships, develop measurable impact models, and implement education-focused initiatives that create real community change. UM helped me refine my ability to think beyond execution and focus on long-term strategy, evaluation, and sustainable systems.
What impact are you most proud of in your career?
I am most proud of creating spaces and opportunities where others can thrive. Throughout my career, I have worked to bridge the gap between vision and execution helping leaders, athletes, and organizations turn their desire to give back into structured, measurable impact. Seeing young people and families gain access to education resources, mentorship, scholarships, and support systems that can truly change the trajectory of their lives is incredibly rewarding. Watching them grow into confident, purpose-driven individuals who believe in their potential, expand their aspirations, and begin to see pathways that once felt out of reach is what makes the work meaningful.
Did you have a favorite class or experience in a class?
All of them were great! I especially enjoyed courses that focused on learning design, program evaluation, and instructional strategy. Those courses provided tools that I could immediately apply to building education-based initiatives and improving how programs are structured, delivered, and measured. I also appreciated the way the program encouraged reflection and critical thinking, which helped me grow personally and professionally.
Any advice for future UOnline students?
My advice would be to stay disciplined, manage your time intentionally, and fully engage in the learning process. UOnline provides flexibility, but success comes from commitment and consistency. I also strongly encourage students to communicate with their professors and build relationships. The professors truly want to see students succeed and are an incredible resource.
During my doctoral program, my mother passed away, and I was navigating a great deal emotionally while still trying to remain focused academically. Because I had already cultivated strong relationships with my professors from both programs, they were able to support me tremendously during that time. Their mentorship, understanding, and guidance made a meaningful difference in my ability to stay the course and complete the program. Building those relationships matters more than people realize.
Anything else you'd like to share about your experience with UOnline?
UOnline was not only an academic experience for me, it was a transformative journey. It gave me the structure to grow professionally while still honoring my responsibilities as an entrepreneur. It also allowed me to cultivate relationships that I still value to this day, including friendships developed with other students and mentorships with professors who poured into my growth beyond the classroom.
The program reminded me that education is not just about earning a degree, it's about becoming more equipped to lead, serve, and create meaningful impact. The support system, quality of instruction, and overall experience helped me elevate my thinking and sharpen my purpose. I am truly grateful for my time at the University of Miami and proud to be a UOnline alum.
