Novella Briggs
Novella Briggs is a seasoned executive-level professional with over 20 years of experience in higher education, nonprofit development, and organizational leadership. She has built a reputation for establishing and continuously improving organizational practices, processes, and systems, consistently driving strategic objectives while fostering collaborative and high-performing environments. Known for her infectious positive energy, Novella excels at motivating and mentoring teams, creating spaces where both individuals and organizations can thrive.
Novella’s career highlights include more than a decade of service in executive support roles at Tidewater Community College, where she has assisted top leadership as Executive Assistant to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Provost. Her early work in South Africa, co-founding the Kingdom Development Group, demonstrates her longstanding commitment to community development and leadership training. Across these roles, she has cultivated expertise in coaching, mentoring, program development, and authentic communication, always prioritizing the growth and empowerment of those around her.
Currently, Novella serves as President of ACT I World Community College and leads The Caesar Group, a coaching and mentoring initiative that extends her impact in educational and organizational leadership. Her professional focus is on developing future leaders, fostering collaboration, and guiding individuals and organizations to achieve their highest potential. Her notable achievements—ranging from nonprofit leadership in Johannesburg to shaping educational programs in the U.S.—reflect a career dedicated to purposeful service, transformational leadership, and community advancement.
• The Johns Hopkins University - MA
• ACT I World Community College
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to authenticity, empathy, and resilience, as well as my ability to connect meaningfully with others. I place great importance on listening, creating safe spaces for honest dialogue, and helping people recognize and leverage their strengths. My international experiences, adaptability, and commitment to lifelong learning have also been essential in shaping my leadership journey and guiding me to make a positive impact.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received came from the leaders and colleagues I’ve had the privilege of working alongside—whether in South Africa, in higher education, or throughout my nonprofit and leadership journey. They helped shape my perspective on influence, service, and personal growth, teaching me the importance of leading with integrity, learning continuously, and using my skills to make a meaningful impact.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering this industry to give themselves grace, honor their boundaries, and not rush the process of success. I encourage embracing non-linear career paths, trusting in their growth, and recognizing that meaningful influence often starts behind the scenes. Patience, self-awareness, and persistence are just as important as ambition in building a lasting impact.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is navigating limited resources, organizational politics, and building sustainable teams across leadership, education, and nonprofit environments. Another significant challenge is helping individuals overcome self-doubt and creating spaces where they feel safe to grow.
At the same time, there are tremendous opportunities in coaching, mentoring, leadership development, and community-centered education. Organizations are increasingly recognizing the value of emotional intelligence, authentic leadership, and inclusive environments, which allows us to make a meaningful and lasting impact.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I deeply value authenticity, integrity, compassion, service, collaboration, and personal growth. I strive to help others feel seen and supported, set healthy boundaries, and lead with humility and purpose. These values guide both my professional decisions and personal interactions. I am passionate about coaching, mentoring, leadership development, and community empowerment. I am also deeply interested in cross-cultural work and education, and I take great joy in helping individuals discover and leverage their unique gifts to make a meaningful impact.
Locations
Tidewater Community College
Suffolk, VA 23435