We’re proud to feature Nigel Lifsey as our next Alumni Spotlight. Nigel’s journey with the Independent School Alliance is one of resilience, growth, and leadership. From his early days at St. James Episcopal School to his time at Brentwood School, ISA played a pivotal role in helping him navigate his educational path. As a first-generation college student, Nigel leveraged the support he received to attend Boston University, where he earned a degree in Economics. Today, he’s not only a successful fund accountant but also a community leader, activist, and entrepreneur. Read on to learn more about Nigel’s experiences, accomplishments, and reflections on how ISA  helped shape his future.

When did you become involved with the Independent School Alliance?
I had the opportunity to be involved with the Independent School Alliance on two separate occasions. My first experience was around 1989, when the (Independent School)Alliance was still a relatively new organization under the leadership of Founding Executive Director, Manasa Tanglin. As part of this early cohort, I attended St. James Episcopal School from Kindergarten through 2nd grade. Later, around 1998, I reconnected with the (Independent School) Alliance when I enrolled at Brentwood School for 9th grade.

Where did your path lead after graduating from high school?
After graduating from Brentwood School in 2002, I attended Boston University, where I earned a Bachelor's degree in Economics. Upon completing my studies, I pursued a career in fund accounting. Currently, I work as a fund accountant at Post Advisory Group in Los Angeles.

Are there any accomplishments you would like to highlight?
One of my proudest accomplishments was serving as the Founding President of the Greater Long Beach Black Democratic Club. In 2021, a group of civic-minded community leaders and I created this club, and I was honored to be elected President while the organization was in its early stages. I now serve on the Board as President Emeritus, and I’m thrilled to see our membership grow while increasing political
engagement among Black residents in Long Beach.

Do you have any hobbies or fun facts you'd like to share?
In my free time, I’m an amateur DJ. A few of my close friends and I started DJing as a side hustle, which has since blossomed into a successful business called Urban Society Long Beach. We DJ weddings, private events, and also promote and sell tickets to our own events, the most popular being a Sunday Brunch and Day Party called R&Brunch.

In what ways did the Independent School Alliance and the independent schools you attended help shape your career and future?
While my time at Brentwood School came with its challenges, the overall positive impact on my life and career is undeniable. One standout benefit for me was the college counseling support. Without Brentwood’s east coast college tour, I would have never considered attending Boston University. My college counselor at Brentwood was instrumental in guiding me through the college application process, including helping my mother navigate the complexities of applying for financial aid. As a first-generation college student, this support was invaluable. Thanks to the (Independent School) Alliance and Brentwood, I was fortunate enough to attend BU on a generous financial aid package. Both The (Independent School) Alliance and Brentwood School played a pivotal role in setting me up for success in my professional and personal life.