Dr. Ayoka Wiles is a seasoned leader with over two decades of experience transforming organizations and programs across the arts, culture, education, youth development, and social justice sectors. She has worked extensively with community-based organizations, integrating arts, literacy, spirituality, and cultural education into initiatives that empower youth and adults.

Most recently, Dr. Wiles served as Division Director of Culture and Art, Global Programs at the Open Society Foundations, leading a global grants portfolio spanning Africa, the U.S., Latin America and the Caribbean, and Europe. Previously, she was Senior Director of Programs and Innovation at Cool Culture, and Associate Executive Director/Interim Director of Finance at Ifetayo Cultural Arts Academy, where she also taught dance and directed an award-winning youth ensemble recognized by First Lady Michelle Obama through the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award. Earlier in her career, she was Grants Director and Director of Programs and Strategies at the Brooklyn Arts Council.

Dr. Wiles is a frequent grants panelist for major funders including the New York State Council on the Arts, New Jersey State Council on the Arts, NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, Lincoln Center Innovation Fund, and the Sundance Documentary Fund.

She holds a Ph.D. and M.Phil. in Public Policy and Administration from Walden University, an M.S. in Nonprofit Management from The New School, and a B.A. in Economics from Mount Holyoke College.