KEYNOTE: Nikotris
Nikotris, a proud native of Milwaukee, WI, is a strategist, practitioner and coach steadfast in helping create a more equitable society. Grounded in history while focusing on the present and future, Nikotris offers promising practices, scalable frameworks and research based tactics that welcome all identities, while addressing anti-Blackness.
Named one of the Top 10 Influential DEI leaders of 2024 by The Inc Magazine, Nikotris is intentional about centering inclusion and belonging. An avid reader and active researcher, she believes in centering the voice and experience of historically marginalized people to create cultures of care. In fact, over the last 20 years, Nikotris has worked with individuals, communities, and institutions, nationally and globally, to create brave spaces that value collective liberation through policy and practice. Whether providing technical assistance or developing training material, Nikotris' focus is moving from thoughts to action and impact; addressing equity deficiencies and ensuring progress is being made without apology.
A Black woman, wife, mother, and co-conspirator Nikotris, demands consistent self-reflection and vulnerable accountability from everyone including herself. She is dedicated to together, believing we can correct mistakes corporately, and take bold actions to develop the leaders and advocates necessary for a tomorrow we will not need to heal from.
