Novien Yarber, Ph.D.

Novien Yarber, Ph.D., affectionately known as “Dr. Novi,” is a San Diego-based philanthropic leader, educator, researcher, and creative artist whose work sits at the intersection of learning, leadership, equity, and community impact. He currently serves as Senior Learning Officer at the Prebys Foundation, where he helps advance the foundation’s approach to learning and impact by listening alongside community partners, making meaning of what emerges, and translating learning into responsive philanthropic practice. In 2026, Novien was recognized by the San Diego Business Journal as a 40 Under 40 awardee, celebrating his leadership and contributions to the region.

Prior to joining Prebys, Novien served as Director of Leadership, Philanthropy, and Social Impact at the University of San Diego’s Nonprofit Institute, leading community-centered initiatives including Horizon Leadership, BiGI, and Embodied Leadership for Liberative Artistry. He holds a Master’s in Higher Education and a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies from the University of San Diego, where his scholarship explored philanthropy, adaptive practice, social identity, and the relational dynamics of fundraising. His commitment to the sector extends through board and community service, including the North County Philanthropy Council and volunteering with organizations supporting youth, artists, and emerging leaders.

A professional dancer and performer as well as a scholar-practitioner, Novien brings an embodied and creative lens to questions of leadership and social change. His artistic career includes work with Nike, Bravo, BET, and So You Think You Can Dance, as well as performances alongside artists including Kanye West and Ciara, to name a few. Across these seemingly different worlds, his work is connected by a consistent inquiry: how might we create the conditions for people, organizations, and communities to more fully realize their potential?