About Nikki

Nikki Roberson, she/her, is a 3rd grade teacher in the District of Columbia Public School District, a member of the inaugural Board of Fem the Future- a nonprofit organization aimed at providing young girls of color with access and opportunity to reach their dreams, and an independent education consultant focused on racial healing, justice, and anti bias work. She prides herself on being able to implement practices of social justice, civic engagement, advocacy, and activism into all segments of her life and professional career, while maintaining the space to continue growth through her involvement in cohorts geared towards progressive movements in education.

As a woman of color growing up in the inner-city of Chicago, Nikki knew early on not just the importance of securing an education for herself, but the importance of being able to create the same opportunities for future generations. With a passion for learning and a nature for leading with love, being an educator was an adamant choice and for obvious reasons.

While in undergrad at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Nikki fell in love with learning about early-childhood development and how nature and nurture are equally vital to who a person ultimately becomes. Her ability to relate her learning with both personal and shared experiences of those with similar upbringings sparked what would later influence her unique style of teaching, communication skills, and philanthropic efforts. Her professional experiences span across low-income, inner-city school districts, to affluent populations of children from infancy through the 8th grade and their families. Working in government-subsidized programs in Chicago’s south side was her biggest lesson in not only education inequity, but also the unique challenges faced by teachers who serve these communities and the students who so desperately need them. 

When Nikki decided to pursue a postgraduate degree at the renowned Erikson Institute, it was with the goal of bridging the gap of learning disparities in early childhood education, and being a pioneer at it if need be. She credits mentors like Barbara Able, a Headstart curriculum instructor and Erikson professor, with fostering her passions by taking the time to tutor her during lunch breaks and helping her make connections with other education professionals throughout the city. 

Recently, Nikki was recognized in July of 2019 by singer and activist Janelle Monae and her national campaign celebrating a “Beautiful Future.” Janelle honored Nikki and 3 other people of color making equitable change in communities across the country. She was later invited to join the inaugural board of Fem the Future, Monae’s non-profit. In 2018, ChiGivesBack, Inc., a social impact organization that provides giving opportunities, honored Nikki along with 70 other Chicago Public School District teachers for their incredible service to Chicago’s children. She was also recognized with the Dedication Award, pictured below, for her leadership role in Kicks 4 the City, a nonprofit organization dedicated to provided new shoes for students in temporary living situations.

Nikki offers consulting services in education and activism that includes: teaching through a social justice lens, strategies in social emotional development and early childhood education, and professional development on courageous conversations and anti bias anti racist practices.

For more information, resources, press releases, and updates, be sure to follow her at @i.teach.chi

By: Chantrell Nealon