I started mentoring Nikki when she was in Kindergarten. We ate lunch together every Thursday for 13 years. Her senior year at Central High School in Davenport, we were honored with the 1st Annual Award for “Most Amazing Match”. When I watched Nikki cross the stage at the I-Wireless Center in 2015 to accept her high school diploma, I cried like a fool. She has two beautiful children: Zion, 4 years old, and Amani, 3 years old. I am so proud of Nikki and her perseverance through overwhelming obstacles. She is fierce in her grit and determination to make something of herself and provide a better life for her kids than she had. Nikki is my hero!
