Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Nika White.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
“Leave no one behind” is more than just a phrase or affirmation I often reflect on. This organizing principle drives every aspect of my leadership in the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) field and is embedded in the ways I show up personally and professionally to do this critical work.
As an award-winning leadership consultant, entrepreneur, Black woman, and devoted mother of a neurodivergent son and a strong activist daughter, DEI is much more than a career choice. On the one hand, it is my lived experience as a multi-generational minority within a dominant culture that systematically disadvantages people like me. On the other, it is within that same dominant system I became an educated, global expert because of college-focused parents and a commitment to generational wealth.
This unique perspective enables me to understand conditions within both dominant and nondominant cultures. I’ve inhabited both all of my life and can now tease out parts of the systems and entrenched beliefs that get us all knotted up, frayed, and disoriented inside and out. It is the act of fully unraveling the yarn—straightening and pulling taut the raw fibers that bind humanity in belongingness—that we remember we are intertwined. Interdependent. Only then can we begin the true work of weaving a more equitable future.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Entrepreneurship is hard, but I care deeply about the work of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging and have no regrets about launching out to start my consulting firm. As an award-winning leadership DEI consultant, entrepreneur, Black woman, and devoted mother of a neurodivergent son and strong activist daughter, DEI is much more than a career choice. On the one hand, it is my lived experience as a multi-generational minority within a dominant culture that systematically disadvantages people like me. On the other hand, it is within that same dominant system I became an educated, global expert because of college-focused parents and a commitment to generational wealth. I desire to leave no one behind, and a means to get there is to help uncomplicate DEI for people. I know that people can’t show up at their best in any environment if they are always questioning whether or not they belong.
These past five years have given me a wide array of clients to work with. Every client’s journey is different. There is no one-size-fits-all. From big national brands to midsize boutique businesses, I’ve learned that every client’s journey to a more inclusive, equitable, and diverse workspace is different.
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to DEI. Despite the sometimes vastly different approaches to client strategy, one thing rings true: we need to strike a balance between meeting clients where they are and not leaving them there.
Being too comfortable and complacent can leave some businesses behind on their DEI goals. It’s part of my learning to know the balance of when to push and pull my clients into the next level of their journeys. This can be challenging at times.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am the founder and President/CEO of NWC. I’m a subject matter expert with 20+ years of experience working in the DEI space, conducted a lot of research on the topic, presented tons of keynotes and facilitated sessions on DEI, written three books on the topic over the last five years, hosts a weekly podcast and vodcast called Intentional Conversations: Intersecting DEI with Leadership and Business; I’m a certified diversity executive (CDE) with the Institute of Diversity Certification as part of the Society of Diversity, my dissertation research was on a topic related to DEI and leadership development programs, I’ve written more than a dozen white papers on the topic. Further, my work has led to the designation by Forbes as a Top10 D&I Trailblazer. I am also a person with many intersecting identities that are subject to systems of oppression. I’m a passionate practitioner about the topic and emotionally connected to the results of people benefitting from uncomplicating inclusion.
Our Vision
To create a society where all people and all organizations are intentional in their efforts and pursuit of equity, inclusion and belonging.
Our Mission
To grow Intentional Inclusionists® and make DEI practical so that organizations can shift systems in support of cultivating a culture of belonging.
Our Core Values
Collaboration
We combine our individual superpowers to co-create powerful solutions – for NWC and our client partners.
We actively seek opportunities to learn with and from others; no one person has all the answers.
Curiosity
We seek to understand first – before we assume, before we react, and before we solve.
We are lifelong learners, intentionally in search of opportunities to deepen our knowledge and grow our skill sets.
Change as a Constant
We exercise agility and flexibility in the ‘how’ of our work while staying steadfast in our ‘why.’
We anticipate, expect, and embrace change as a gateway to growth.
Continuous Improvement
We are committed to leveling up, never shying away from opportunities to reflect on and refine our work.
We see all data as opportunity; new information generates new possibilities.
Constructive Candor
We speak our truths in caring, courageous, and constructive ways.
We welcome feedback and seek and share it often.
NWC is a diversity, equity, and inclusion boutique consulting firm with recognized authority on strategic diversity, intentional inclusion, and organizational effectiveness. We help organizations integrate DEI into their business frameworks. Some of our service offerings include:
DEI Strategy Development
Supplier Diversity/Economic Inclusion
Operationalizing Strategic Diversity, Intentional Inclusion & Equity Lens
Cultural Competence Training
Customized Strategic DEI Events and Initiatives
Launching a DEI Initiative
Establishing Diverse Community Impact
Diversity Educational Programs
Setting DEI Metrics & Tracking
Launching Employee/Business Resource Groups/Affinity Groups
Organizational Structures and Processes that Promote Inclusive Environments
Organizational Management & Valuing of Human Difference
Establishing High Performing Diversity Councils/Committees
DEI Assessments
DEI Executive Leadership Coaching
Selecting, Hiring & Developing a DEI Officer
Disrupting Unconscious Bias Training
Women’s Leadership Conferences & Events
Multicultural Leadership Conferences & Events
Organizational Change Management
Managing Multi-generations in the Workplace
Diverse Talent Recruitment and Retention
DEI Communications Plans
DEI Executive Commitment & Sponsorship
Racial Equity & Anti-racism Training
Allyship Training
The NWC team hosts the Intentional Conversations Vodcast (video + podcast) every Friday from 11 am to 12 pm EST, bringing different practitioners from the DEI space intersecting conversations of DEI with leadership and business and those tangential who are uplifting marginalized communities’ voices.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
I was an ambitious and active kid with a keen sense of wanting to do something of significance. I grew up in a home with two parents who were incredibly supportive in shaping my future and ensuring I had access to every opportunity my heart desired. Some of my favorite childhood memories are picking and eating plums from trees in the driveway with my mom and sister, going on family vacations, and family birthday celebrations.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nikawhite.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikacwhite/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nikacwhite
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/NikaWhite
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/NikaWhite2015
Image Credits
Stacey Gardin Portraits
