Find out about how to become a member of NAN|CO and have a real impact
Rev. Dr. Eric D. Nelson
NAN|CO Chapter – President
Rev. Dr. Eric D. Nelson. serves as President which include; Colorado chapter.
Entrepreneur, Author and Life Visionary; is a small business owner of an insurance company, and investment firm in Aurora, Co and former banker . Dr. Nelson is a Certified Addiction Counselor I, Certified Family Mediator, Child Family Investigator, Restorative Justice Facilitator, Assisted Living Administrator, Registered Psychotherapist, and a former Adjunct Faculty Member at Colorado State University in Fort Collins. He is a veteran community and political organizer who have been involved in the Aurora community for over twenty-five years. He also served in the U.S. Air Force. Dr. Nelson is a native of Georgia.
Before assuming the role of President in January of 2025, Rev. Dr. Nelson served as Vice President and liaison to the local governments, community, and religious organizations. He championed initiatives and reform in areas of education, mental health, police brutality, homelessness, climate change and as a community organizer and leader.
Lakisha Payton
NAN|CO Chapter – Vice President
Lakisha is a dedicated leader, community advocate, and youth development specialist with a passion for empowering underrepresented communities. With a strong background in program management, civic engagement, and social justice initiatives, she has spent years creating opportunities that foster success for young people. From overseeing youth sports programs to spearheading impactful community service projects, her work exemplifies a steadfast commitment to equity, inclusion, and leadership development. As a proud mother of five, she understands the transformative power of service and is devoted to building sustainable pathways for individual and community growth.
Lakisha served as the Organization Manager for Spillionairs Youth Sports Organization from 2019-2024. This dynamic organization is committed to empowering and uplifting young individuals through sports. As the Organization Manager, Lakisha oversees the day-to-day operations, ensuring that the sports programs and initiatives effectively address the needs of the youth and help them develop essential life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and perseverance.
Lakisha is actively involved in various esteemed community organizations. From January 2021 to December 2023, she demonstrated her dedication to service as the Community Service Chair for The Urban League of Young Professionals Metro Denver. Currently, she holds the esteemed position of Vice President at the National Action Network Colorado, where she contributes to important initiatives and advocacy efforts. Furthermore, Lakisha is honored to be a member of the Denver Foundation Advisory Committee for Community Impact, a role she has held since October 2022. Additionally, she serves as a Community Grant Program Reviewer for the Denver Foundation, utilizing her expertise to ensure impactful funding decisions.
With an educational background that includes an Associate of Liberal Arts degree in Sociology, Lakisha has developed a strong foundation for understanding the complexities of society and the challenges faced by minority communities. As a proud graduate of the Urban Leadership Fellows Connect class of 2020, she has further honed her leadership skills and gained valuable insights into effective community engagement strategies.
Lakisha's steadfast focus is on advancing progress in minority communities, particularly within the black community. She is unwavering in her commitment to creating opportunities and driving meaningful change. Through her work, Lakisha strives to empower individuals, foster inclusivity, and advocate for social justice.