Nikki’s breadth of skills and experience working with grassroots community groups, nonprofits, government, and private companies, brings a holistic perspective to the projects and causes she works on. She is committed to cultivating inclusive and equitable spaces where people and organizations can grow and thrive.
EDUCATION
- Master of Public Administration, American University (Washington, DC)
- Certificate, Women Policy and Political Leadership, American University (Washington, DC)
- Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, Minor Photography, Oakland University (Rochester, MI)
EXPERIENCE
Manager for NRCS Programs (April 2020 – current), Executive Assistant to the Executive Vice President (August 2018 – March 2020)
Washington, DC, August 2018 – Current
Land Trust Alliance
Liaison to U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and resource to land trusts regarding Farm Bill conservation programs. Develop federal policy recommendations through stakeholder engagement. Manage 100+ person stakeholder advisory body. Handle budget development and negotiation of expanding six-figure plus federal grant agreement. Appointed to serve on the Common Ground Task Force (2020-2021) and Common Ground Implementation Team (current), charged with overseeing and supporting organizational diversity equity and inclusion efforts.
Chair, Community Engagement Director and Singer (February 2023 – current), Leadership Team – multiple roles, Singer (June 2012 – February 2023)
Washington, DC, June 2012 – Current
SongRise DC: Women’s social justice a cappella group
As Chair and Community Engagement Director, Nikki head’s up the seven-person leadership team and oversees partnerships, administration, operations, group strategy, and vision. Over the years she has organized multiple performances and events supporting local and national causes. She previously served as Chair from 2019-2022, and has held multiple other leadership roles including Member Growth Director, Community Engagement and Gigs Co-Director, Marketing and Communications Director, and Business Manager, and originated the group’s bookkeeper role.
Board Member (October 2020 – present), Leadership Team Member, Facilitator (February 2012 – December 2020)
Washington, DC, February 2012 – December 2022
Femex DC: Experiential course centering on lived experience
Most recently, served on a 4-member governance body providing strategic guidance to the leadership team and overseeing plans for rebuilding organizational capacity post-COVID-19 pandemic. Previous roles included serving as a Facilitator (5x), mentor, trainer, and leadership team member heading up outreach, recruitment, communications, and technology efforts.
Program Manager, IWF Leadership Foundation (2016-2018), Development and Program Coordinator (2016), Development and Marketing Coordinator (2014 – 2015 ), Member Roster Assistant (2013 – 2014)
Washington, DC, September 2013 – February 2018
Handled day-to-day operations for the Leadership Foundation Fellows Program and the Women Athletes Business Network Mentoring Program including recruitment, selection and mentor matching of 60+ participants, monitoring and evaluation, development of program materials, global travel arrangements, communications and production of monthly program newsletters. Supervised program intern and conducted program-related research. Managed onsite training and conference activities domestically and internationally. Collaborated with Executive Director on strategic fundraising initiatives. Past conference and program travel: Atlanta, Johannesburg, Miami, Boston, Tel Aviv, Chicago, Stockholm, and Houston.
Media & Accounts Payable Specialist, GMMB Inc.
Washington, DC, April 2010 – February 2013
Processed over 30,000 payments during the 2012 election cycle for multi-million dollar political and advocacy campaigns. Liaison between accounting and media departments. On-camera talent for issue advocacy ad.
Chapter Director
Washington, DC, June 2010 – April 2012
Younger Women’s Task Force, D.C. Metro Chapter
Led a six-member leadership team that executed workshops, fundraisers, panels, and networking events. Cultivated relationships with individuals and organizations to promote chapter growth. Edited and created content for the monthly chapter newsletter, managed Twitter and Facebook accounts and created a new chapter website.
Field Coordinator
Washington, DC, August 2008 – January 2009
Planned Parenthood Federation of America
Supervised field associate and field department intern. Led distribution of over 300k advocacy materials to 100 affiliate offices in support of the 2008 Presidential election advocacy campaign. Edited field newsletter, handled expenses, and coordinated travel arrangements for national field staff.
Program Director
Washington, DC, April 2007 – January 2008
National Council of Women’s Organizations
Managed day-to-day operations for the Council and coordinated board activities. Led project to update membership database, handling accounts payable and receivable, and executed annual members dues collection. Developed content and worked with a vendor to design a new organization website. Organized New Faces, More Voices summer leadership program. Recruited, hired and managed six interns.
ADDITIONAL WORK & VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Core Team Member (2017-2018) and Participant (2016-2017) Developing Leaders Program, Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington (volunteer role)
Washington, DC, June 2018 – June 2016
Board Member, Co-Fundraising Chair, Talent, Capital Collective for VDay, Annual Vagina Monologues Fundraiser & Performance (volunteer role)
Washington, DC, Winter/Spring 2012, 2013, 2014
Sponsorship Coordinator, Annual Walk to Prevent Violence Against Women & Girls, U.S. Committee for UN Women, National Capital Chapter (volunteer role)
Washington, DC, Spring 2012
Visual Expert and Sales Associate, Gap Inc.
MI and Washington, DC, Summer 2003 – Winter 2006, Summer 2008 – Spring 2010
Assistant Pool Coordinator, Swim Lesson Coordinator, Lifeguard, City of Southfield Recreation Centers, City of Farmington Hills Costick Activities Center, Oakland University Aquatics Center
Summers and year-round – Southeast MI, 1996 – 2003
TRAININGS & INTERNSHIPS
Participant, BossedUp Bootcamp, BossedUp
Washington, DC February, 2014
Participant, New Leaders Fellowship, Center for Progressive Leadership
Washington, DC, May – November 2008
Participant, WeLEAD, Women & Politics Institute at American University
Washington, DC, August 2007 – May 2008
Public Policy Intern, Girl Scout’s of the USA Public Policy and
Advocacy Office
Washington, DC, May 2006 – December 2007,
Legislative Intern, Office of Senator Debbie Stabenow, D-MI
Washington, DC, September 2005 – January 2006
Organizing Intern, MARAL Pro-Choice Michigan
Ann Arbor and Lansing, MI, Summer 2004
Intern, Office of Mayor Brenda L. Lawrence, City of Southfield
Southfield, MI September 2003 – December 2003