Nicole NeShone Liggins is a entrepreneur, author, advocate for women’s empowerment, and community leader dedicated to strengthening families and expanding opportunities for youth across Saginaw County. A native of Saginaw, Nicole holds a Bachelor of Science in Community Development Administration from Central Michigan University and a Business Acumen certification from Michigan State University.
With more than 20 years of experience in business development, early childhood education, organizational leadership, and community programming, Nicole has founded and led multiple impactful organizations. She is the longtime owner of Building Blocks Childcare & Preschool Center, CEO of Guided Grace Mental Health Agency, and the President & CEO/Founder of Guided Grace Family & Youth Services, a nonprofit delivering transformative mental-health, OST, and technology-integrated interventions for youth and families.
Nicole has served in leadership roles across several regional and statewide initiatives, including President and Vice President of the Saginaw County Great Start Readiness Program Advisory Board. She is also a charter member of the Great Lakes Bay Region Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, where she has supported youth enrichment in multiple capacities. In 2022, Nicole was appointed to Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s Small Business Leadership Council, and she is the recipient of the 2022 Saginaw NAACP Young Professionals Award and the 2025 Entrepreneur of the Year Award from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
Driven by a mission to build brighter futures “one child at a time,” Nicole combines innovation, compassion, and strategic leadership to create spaces where children, families, and communities can grow, heal, and thrive.
As the author of Unearth Your Worth, Nicole extends her commitment to personal growth through her advocacy for women’s empowerment. Her writing encourages women to recognize their inherent worth, reclaim their voices, and move forward with confidence and purpose. This message reflects the same belief that guides her community work: every person deserves the opportunity to grow, lead, and thrive.
Nicole is also the host of Next Gen Voices. At Guided Grace FYS, she leads youth development, family support, mental wellness, life-skills, STEM, literacy, arts, media, and community-engagement initiatives. Her work is grounded in the belief that youth should have a voice in shaping opportunities, solutions, and the communities around them.
In 2026, Nicole was recognized as Out-of-School Time Advocate of the Year by the Michigan After-School Partnership. Her professional background also includes Fortune 500 business development.
With gratitude to the funders, community partners, and supporters who make these opportunities possible.
