Nappier graduated from Hartford Public High School in 1969. Nappier was also listed on the Working Families Party line. Nappier graduated from Virginia State University, receiving her B.A. in 1973. Nappier defeated Wright in the general election, with 54% of the vote. In April 2009, Nappier called on Bank of America CEO Ken Lewis to resign. During that time, Nappier also served as the chair of the Hartford Redevelopment Authority. Nappier was the first African-American to be elected to statewide office in Connecticut.