Nikki Zaahir

Nikki Zaahir is the Executive Director of NIICA, renowned for her straightforward approach to economic empowerment. With over 15 years of experience, Nikki excels in integrating transferable life skills with industry-specific training, promoting career advancement for individuals and underserved communities.

 

She believes that access, not ability, distinguishes one community or person from another.  In her previous role as Director of Administration, Outreach, and Engagement at NIICA, Nikki managed program administration and engagement strategies to expand the talent pipeline. Before joining NIICA, she was a Senior Program Administrator at SEMI, focusing on grant management, program evaluation, and outreach to improve visibility in the semiconductor industry.

 

At Vehicles for Change (VFC), Inc., she served as Executive Director and National Director of Workforce Development, transforming the lives of over 20,000 individuals by enhancing economic independence and access to better opportunities.  Nikki's career also includes significant roles at America Works, Inc., Global Telecommunications, and the NSA. She has served on various public and private boards, including the Baltimore County Workforce Development Board and the Maryland Correctional Enterprise Management Council.

 

Nikki is a certified Master Life Coach and MBSR, and she has received numerous accolades, including the 2018 Maryland State Raising the Bar in Leadership award and the 2018 Associated Black Charities Women on the Move award.  Nikki's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion has increased representation in industries that offer stable, living wage jobs and structured career advancement opportunities. Her holistic approach ensures that learning is continuous and accessible to all, helping to create generational impact and sustainable growth within communities.