The Nikki Doughty Bright Futures Fund was established by friends and family in recognition of Nikki’s enduring impact on City Academy. Her legacy is especially evident in the expansion that created early childhood classrooms; a project that Nikki led to completion in 2018.
Connector – Mentor – Friend – Leader – Builder
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On February 7, a crowd gathered in City Academy’s Steward Hall to recognize an honored guest — who had no idea she was being honored! Much to her surprise, the establishment of The Nikki Doughty Bright Futures Fund was announced at the gathering.
Nikki served in several capacities at City Academy, starting in 2005 as the Assistant Director of Development. A year later she transitioned to a role as Director of Admissions and Placement, later adding Alumni Support to the title.
“Nikki was crucial in City Academy establishing a vibrant and meaningful alumni program, providing enrichment and support to graduates while keeping them engaged with each other and our school,” said City Academy President and Co-Founder Don Danforth. “Strive for College, in collaboration with Washington University in St. Louis, was Nikki’s baby and has been a model program that meaningfully supports our students well beyond their time here.”
In 2015, Nikki assumed the role of Chief Operating Officer and her legacy is especially evident in the expansion that created early childhood classrooms; a project that Nikki led to completion in 2018. Nikki was named City Academy’s first head of school in 2019.
“Along the way, she became an expert in construction projects, investment portfolios, and infectious diseases,” Danforth said. “Throughout, Nikki was totally committed to creating a culture of trust, collaboration, and positivity with the entire City Academy community.”
In late 2023, Nikki’s dad Glenn Doughty approached City Academy’s Chief Development Officer Janice Bailey about launching an endowed fund to recognize his daughter. With the help of Ginger Imster, City Academy’s Director of Development from 2001 to 2013, The Nikki Doughty Bright Futures Fund was established as the first named endowment fund in City Academy’s 25 year history.
Glenn points to Nikki’s Nigerian ancestral roots and several inspiring members of the family that helped guide her to earn two Masters degrees on her way to a successful career helping others. Nikki currently serves as the Associate Director of Strategic Initiatives for the Institute for School Partnership at Washington University in St. Louis.
“I’m a proud dad that’s watched Nikki become a very special role model for today’s young people,” Glenn said. “Nikki’s late moms Janice Doughty and Jody Auletta would be so proud of Nikki’s accomplishments being recognized too.”
Thanks to Nikki’s family and friends that rallied together to come up with the initial investment for the endowed fund, scholars will continue to benefit from Nikki’s example for many years to come.
“Thanks to the extraordinary members of the City Academy Investment Committee who know Nikki, I’m very confident that The Nikki Doughty Bright Futures Fund will annually reflect Nikki’s love for the past, current and future students connected to the iconic City Academy school,” Glenn said.