Nikki Hawkins, MS

Director of People and Operations

Contact: nhawkins@engagerd.com

Nikki (she/her) is an experienced executive leader with over two decades of experience efficaciously leading HR and operations in the non-profit and education reform sectors. She is committed to advancing social justice and racial equity by working with and on behalf of underserved and undervalued communities.

For the past 22+ years, Nikki has led and supported various programs and organizations, all sharing the mission of advancing equity, social, racial, and economic justice and ensuring access to opportunities for Black, Latinx, and LGBTQ+ communities. Nikki has been on staff at several progressive organizations, including UpTogether, Uncommon Schools Boston, and One Family, Inc.

Nikki is an employee experience enthusiast and team culture crafter. She is passionate about ensuring that organizations' values, culture, and operating practices align with innovative, inclusive, and equitable people-first practices and policies that support wellness, foster positive staff experiences, and retain diverse and mission-aligned professionals.

Nikki is PHR-certified, holds BA and MA degrees, and has a graduate certificate in HR management. She is a native of Roxbury, Massachusetts, a first-generation college graduate, and a proud mom of two kids—a son, Arend Jr, and a daughter, Gianna. 

 

Education

Master of Science, Management and Leadership from Springfield College

Bachelor of Arts, Human Services, University of Massachusetts

Graduate Certificate, HR Management, University of Georgia

Certification, Professional in Human Resources (PHR), Human Resource Standards Insititute