Biography

An Oakland native, Nina Woodruff-Walker became a "MOCHA kid" in 1989 when she connected through the East Oakland Youth Development Center (EOYDC). When OUSD removed art programming from the school curriculum, MOCHA became an art-making space and welcoming refuge during her teenage years. She found delight in identifying different ways to use art to create, express, shape and influence, even getting her first experience in giving back as a MOCHA youth board member. This cemented her passion for community service, as Nina also involved herself in church-led activities and school-sponsored service events as a youth.

In 2000, Nina began her career in technology - with a focus in project management which lead her to a 10-year career in technology sales as a Major Account Executive. Nina brings a wealth of knowledge in S.M.A.R.T business practices. She holds a B.A. in Communication, PPO and her M.A. will be completed in May, 2019. Her motto is, Ideas are only great when we have the courage to give birth to them.

Nina returned to MOCHA as a board member in 2006. She has expanded her adult volunteer service during her tenure with the Kiwanis Club of Oakland and she is now serving as a member of the San Francisco chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women.

"I believe art is technology and it's imperative that MOCHA is an active participant in STEAM education and advocacy."

With her love and commitment to MOCHA, Nina brings her strategic and business acumen to work implementing "MOCHA 2.0", with a focus on increasing MOCHA's reach with enhanced technology + art based projects that leverage the tech influence and tap into opportunities for collaboration here in the Bay Area.

Nina believes that supplementing MOCHA's in school and on-site art programs will open child artists into new worlds of creativity. Nina is a self-proclaimed poetess who understands the value of providing a platform for children to express and create.

Nina's three children, Brooke, Brooklyn, and Nia follow in her creative footsteps as the next generation of MOCHA kids and her husband, Gregory holds an honorary seat in the MOCHA family.