Hidden Gems: Meet Nikki Walker of East Nashville Hope Exchange

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikki Walker

Hi Nikki, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am a Nashville native, often referred to by transplants as a “unicorn.” I grew up in a household where my college-educated parents emphasized the importance of education. My journey in education began through my mother, who owned a small business in Southeast Nashville for over 20 years. During my junior year of high school in 199-something (don’t want to give away my age, lol), she decided to change careers, earning her Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate in Education over the next decade. Her passion for her new career as an educator inspired me to follow a similar path.

After earning my Bachelor’s in Communications from Tennessee State University, I enrolled in Fisk University’s Teacher Education Program. I worked in various roles within MNPS but soon realized that I didn’t want to be confined to a classroom. I was drawn to education but in a different capacity. This led me to part-time positions with non-profit organizations like the YMCA, YWCA, Girls Inc., and PENCIL, where I gained valuable experience in the non-profit sector while staying connected to education. In 2017, I returned to school to earn a Master of Education in Organizational Leadership & Communications from Belmont University, with the goal of becoming a leader who could effectively communicate an organization’s mission.

In 2021, I began my full-time career as Education & Programs Manager at the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM). This role was a dream come true, combining my love for music and education. I had the opportunity to work on exciting projects with incredible artists and organizations while building meaningful community partnerships.

In 2022, while serving on the Board of Directors for East Nashville Hope Exchange (ENHE), I helped search for a new Executive Director. After interviewing several candidates, I realized I had the passion and vision for the role and decided to apply. I resigned from the board, interviewed, and here I am, two years later, excited to lead ENHE.

I am passionate about empowering children through literacy and creating a brighter future for the Nashville community. I firmly believe that literacy is the foundation for success, opening doors to greater opportunities. By providing children with the tools to read, write, and think critically, we can set them on a path to lifelong learning and achievement. Through programs and partnerships focused on accessible education, I aim to bridge gaps and ensure every child, regardless of background or circumstances, has the resources they need to succeed. By fostering a culture of literacy, we not only help individuals grow but also strengthen the entire community, paving the way for a more equitable and thriving Nashville.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Building and sustaining East Nashville Hope Exchange has certainly had its challenges. One significant hurdle has been securing consistent funding. As a nonprofit organization, we rely heavily on grants, donations, and fundraising events. Fluctuations in funding can impact our ability to deliver essential programs and services.

Another challenge we’ve faced is finding adequate space to host our summer programs each year. As the organization has grown, so too have our needs for larger and more suitable spaces. Securing affordable and accessible locations has required significant effort and planning, often requiring creative solutions and partnerships with local organizations to secure appropriate space.

Additionally, the rapid gentrification of East Nashville has led to a shift in the demographics of the neighborhood, and consequently, the children we serve. While gentrification has brought certain benefits, it has also resulted in increased housing costs and potential displacement of low-income families. To adapt to this changing landscape, we’ve had to be more intentional about our outreach efforts and program offerings, which has led us to reach out to surrounding communities to ensure we continue to serve the children who need our support the most.

Despite all these challenges, we’ve persevered through innovative solutions, strong partnerships, and a dedicated team. By addressing these challenges head-on, we’ve been able to maintain our commitment to providing high-quality literacy programs to the community.

As you know, we’re big fans of East Nashville Hope Exchange. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
East Nashville Hope Exchange (ENHE) is a community-driven organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families in East Nashville by offering services that enhance their lives and foster long-term success. We are deeply committed to providing high-quality programs, building strong connections with children, caregivers, teachers, and the community, and ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed.

What distinguishes ENHE from other programs is our unique use of an evidence-based curriculum and a data-driven approach to guide our programs and track student progress. We also provide personalized instruction tailored to each student’s needs and involve parents and caregivers in the learning process. ENHE is proud of its strong brand identity, which is built on a foundation of education, community, and meaningful impact.

Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Growing up, I loved being apart of the accelerated reading program at my school. I cherished the countless hours spent reading books and answering comprehension questions to earn rewards. As a child, I developed a lifelong love of reading, which I’ve passed on to my 3-year-old daughter. My hope is that students who struggle with reading or fear it, turn those challenges into opportunities, and that ENHE helps those students build confidence and develop a lasting love for reading.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.enhopeexchange.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eastnhe/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EastNashvilleHopeExchange/