Nikki is a passionate advocate for social justice, drawing from her experiences as a bi-racial Dominican-American who grew up in a predominantly white suburb of Albany, N.Y. She has worked in both politics and education. Prior to joining the education field in 2019, Nikki worked for Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, Congressman Paul D. Tonko, and NYS Senator Zellnor Myrie. As a 2019 Teach for America Corps Member, she taught 6th-8th grade social studies and led a student affinity space for Queer students at a K-8 Oglala Lakota Sioux Tribal school in the Pine Ridge Reservation. She taught US History to 10th and 11th graders at an Immigrant/Refugee English Language Learner (ELL) charter school in Nashville, T.N. Prior to arriving at Oakwood, she served as the Director of Equity and Belonging at an intentionally inclusive K-8 Episcopal school in Denver, C.O. where she taught 4th-8th grade Social Justice, 6th-8th grade Social Studies, led social justice initiatives (for example, creating and leading two student affinity spaces, one for Students of Color and one for Queer Students.) and supported teachers in creating inclusive learning environments. Nikki is excited to join Oakwood as the Director of Community Inclusion and Social Justice. Outside of work, she enjoys attending concerts, exploring new places, and spending time in nature with her dog Gemma.

Professional Affiliations: B.A. History, Political Science from CUNY Brooklyn College, M.Ed. Educational Policy and Leadership (Anti-Racist and Culturally Responsive School Leadership) from American University, Teach for America Alumni (South Dakota, 2019) National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) People of Color Conference (POCC)