Staff

African American Heritage Commission Staff

Adrienne Nirdé

Director

Adrienne Nirdé (pronounced "Near-day") was appointed as the Director of the NC African American Heritage Commission in June 2023.  Prior to this role, she served as the Commission's Associate Director where her role focused on grant project management, heritage trails, and communications.

For over ten years Adrienne has worked in museums and cultural institutions including the President James K. Polk State Historic Site in Pineville, NC, and the Earl Scruggs Center in Shelby, NC. She holds a master's degree in museum studies from Indiana University-Purdue University, as bachelor's degrees in history and anthropology, all from Indiana University She also holds a certificate in diversity, equity, and inclusion from Cornell University. Adrienne is a graduate of the Jekyll Island Management Institute and the Smithsonian's Interpreting African American History and Culture Workshop. Adrienne has always had a primary interest in sharing diverse stories, particularly those have not yet been told and centering the communities that hold them. Adrienne lives in Wendell, NC with her husband, a high school social studies teacher.

Natalie Rodriguez

Associate Director

Natalie Rodriguez is a North Carolina native raised in Durham. She resides in Raleigh with her daughter. Natalie attended the historically Black university, North Carolina Central University, for her undergraduate career and earned her B.A in History.

She attended North Carolina State University’s Master program and earned her M.A. in Public History. She has interned with the National Park Service, The Greening Youth Foundation, and North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources with the NC Historic sites and NC AAHC. Prior to her current role with the Commission, Natalie was the Tour Coordinator at the North Carolina State Capitol with the division of NC Historic Sites. Her responsibilities include planning and implementing educational programs for visitors and volunteers. She is a contributing researcher for the Capitol's new website FROM NAMING TO KNOWING. Additionally, she served the division as a committee member for diversity ,equity , and inclusion initiatives. Natalie is grateful to have the opportunity to return to the NC AAHC now as the Associate Director.

Shafantae Desinord

Education & Interpretation Specialist

Bio coming soon.

Khadija McNair

Freedom Park Manager

Khadija McNair has served as the Freedom Park Manager since January 2024. Originally from Durham, NC, Khadija has a strong background in historical research and interpretation, and community engagement. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in History from North Carolina Central University in 2017 and went on to complete her Master of Arts degree in History with a concentration in Public History in 2020. Prior to joining Freedom Park, Khadija worked within NC State Historic Sites, including Historic Stagville State Historic Site, Duke Homestead State Historic Site, and Charlotte Hawkins Brown State Historic Site. Additionally, Khadija has lent her expertise to various public history projects, such as the Orange County NC Slave Deed database and the Durham Black Burial Grounds Collaboratory. 

Khadija is deeply committed to sharing the rich history of African Americans with individuals of all ages. She recognizes the tremendous value in preserving and illuminating historical narratives that are often overlooked, particularly for younger generations and future ones. By conveying the richness and depth of African American history, Khadija aims to foster a greater appreciation and understanding of the contributions and experiences of those who have improved the spaces we call home. 
 

Vincentt Craft Sutton

Program Coordinator

Vincentt Craft Sutton is a native implant of Danville Virginia. He is a graduate of William Peace University and a current student at North Carolina Central University pursuing a Master’s in History. 

Jasmaine Downes

Black History Month & Juneteenth Program Coordinator

Bio coming soon.

Mikayla Medley

Administrative Assistant

Biography coming soon.