Nikki is a first generation Latina college student, who grew up in Phoenix, Arizona, with her parents and her three brothers. Nikki’s parents immigrated to the United States from Mexico, and Nikki’s first language is Spanish. One of Nikki’s brothers was born with Cerebral Palsy, and at the age of two, she herself was diagnosed as having a genetic disability, called Mitochondrial Disease. This disability has not stopped nor slowed Nikki down, as she lives by the motto, “I am strong enough”. Nikki is a determined, hard worker, who does not give up.

She graduated from Bioscience High School, and is now in her first year at Arizona State University, on full scholarship, where she is majoring in medical studies. She has expressed that this is her greatest accomplishment so far, and one in which she is immensely proud. Nikki has a love and passion for science and healthcare, and hopes to engage in future work where she can make a difference and give back, as she very much enjoys helping, and teaching others. Nikki loves music, art, art, spending time with her dog, watching movies, and playing video games when she has free time. Body art is an expressive medium for Nikki, and she has several tattoos, which are very meaningful to her.

Nikki is a 2019 graduate of Arizona Youth Leadership Forum, and Arizona Youth Engagement Academy, where she was elected by her peers to represent their class as a member of the Arizona Youth Leadership and Engagement Initiatives Alumni Association Executive Committee. Like many other AZYLI Alum, Nikki continues to stay involved in AZYLI, where she serves as Chair for the AAAEC. Nikki also works as the Recepcionista que habla Español (Receptionist who speaks Spanish), for Diverse Ability Incorporated.