Leadership Roles

Co-Founder & Director • 4 Circles Beyond, Inc.

Niyonu founded 4 Circles Beyond in 1994 to nurture justice and peace in schools and urban communities. Through educational programs, publications and neighborhood projects, 4 Circles Beyond empowers urban children and adults to engage peacefully, and trains community leaders to both nurture wholeness, and identify and abolish systems of injustice.

Co-Founder & Director • CEIO

Launched in 2012 with philanthropist Bill Graustein, CEIO applies the principals of unity and alignment at the heart of Niyonu’s work to empower local organizations. CEIO helps them to crystallize and realize their mission, increase inclusivity, and change their communities.

Founder & Director • Tribe1

This ensemble of singers, poets and drummers performs music and movement chosen to inspire the human spirit. Since 1994, Tribe 1 has toured nationally and abroad, performing concerts and leading workshops at festivals, conferences, and universities.

Past & Current Associations

Board Member • The American Friends Service Committee
Musical Director • Theater for Understanding and Empowerment
Member • National Organization Development Network
Member • Chester Monthly Meeting of Friends (Quaker)
Executive Director • National Green Circle Program
Dean • Pendle Hill Center for Study and Contemplation
Past-President • Training for Change Board of Directors
Member • AFSC National Affirmative Action Committee

Education & Training

Master’s (MSHRD), Human Resource Mgmt; Organization Development
• The American University; National Training Laboratories

BS/BM, Voice Performance
• Oberlin Conservatory of Music

Niyonu’s ongoing training in organizational change
has included extensive work with masters in the field:

Dr. Darya Funches • REAP Unlimited Training in Transformation
Rod Napier & Julie Roberts • Facilitator Training
Otto Kroeger & Janet Thuesen • Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)
Barry Oshry • Power Lab Training
George Lakey • Training for Social Action Trainers