|
Nikki’s family would find another new community as she was entering her junior year in Columbia. She attended Rock Bridge High School seeking to share her experiences and cultural background with others. She started the Rock Bridge Images club to give voice and action to students seeking a deeper sense of community acceptance and belonging.
Nikki entered the University of Missouri interested in journalism but instead pursued a bachelor’s degree in business from Columbia College. She earned a professional rotational program position with Edward Jones Investments and relocated to St. Louis. Nikki would earn her securities license while building a decade-long career focused on human resources, employee learning, and organizational effectiveness. She honed skills in recruiting and training new financial advisors.
Nikki balanced work with a young family, engaging in church life, and pursuing advanced higher education. She earned an MBA and Master of Arts degree in human resource development at Webster University.
Long before COVID, restructuring at Edward Jones provided Nikki an avenue to return to Columbia as part of an experimental hybrid work model. When the company decided to end the model, Nikki remained in Columbia rather than moving back to St. Louis and accepted a remote position for a recruitment process outsourcing company.
Nikki soon yearned for community involvement and engagement that had characterized her youth. She accepted the Columbia Regional Manger role at Diversity Awareness Partnership before later directing the Inclusive Impact Institute.
In 2020, Nikki began working at MU Health Care. She is the Director of Belonging and Community Impact. This role leverages her education, experience and passion for community involvement by providing employee upskilling programs and preparing youth for health care careers.
Having seen two children to adulthood, Nikki and her husband, Robert, now raise their two youngest daughters, Lyric and Aria, to follow their passion for the expressive arts.
Dr. Nikki Carter officially earned her Doctor of Education in educational leadership in July, participating in the Mizzou fall commencement held on December 14, 2024.
Nikki, how did you find your way to United Way?
I became the regional manager of a new non-profit in the community in 2015. It was around the same time/close to the time that Andrew Grabau started with the United Way. We connected on the importance of the work, and he offered me an opportunity to serve on the board as an ex-officio member. I’ve been committed ever since!
Nikki, why do you support United Way?
Because I believe in the work that the United Way does, and the support the United Way provides. I believe in the process that the Heart of Missouri United Way engages in to ensure equitable distribution of funds donated. I believe the Heart of Missouri United Way will continue to do the best possible by the citizens in the communities we serve.
Nikki, what is a favorite memory of your time at United Way?
I have two. One is work-related: having the opportunity to visit funded agencies to hear their stories during the allocation process. It is so important to have a good understanding of what services agencies provide the community and there is no better way than to visit and see and hear for ourselves.
My second is two years ago when board members created the WOO committee in preparation to walk in the Mizzou Homecoming Parade. There is nothing like tapping into the talents of board members who know how to bring the fun!
| 
