An Oakland native, Brandon Nicholson has dedicated his life to promoting equity in the public realm, particularly in the education sector. He is founding Executive Director of The Hidden Genius Project, an organization that trains and mentors Black male youth in technology creation, entrepreneurship, and leadership skills to transform their lives and communities.

In a previous stint as a senior evaluator and consultant, Brandon conducted research, evaluation, and consulted on a range of projects related to intersections of education policy and workforce and economic development. It was there that he began to recognize the potential for technology to bolster the domestic and global economy as underrepresented populations gain more equitable access to growth sectors.

Brandon has conducted substantial research in the areas of education and youth development, with a particular focus on issues of equity and access in K-12 education for underserved populations. He has considerable experience investigating linkages among race, class, and youth development.