Who am I?

Education

  • Bachelor’s in Sociology and Psychology at the University of Houston

  • Master's in Ethics, Peace, and Human Rights at American University School of International Service

  • Study Abroad at Lund and Malmö University

Certifications

  • Humanitarian Policy & Practice

  • Concentration in Prudent Ethics in Interventions and Post-conflict Recovery

  • Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) Sexual and Domestic Violence Program Professional accreditation: Mandated Reporter

  • Art & Post-war healing: Intensive Skills Training

  • Humanitarian Emergency Field Preparations: Intensive Skills Training

Nikki Marjolein Garza, an American and Dutch citizen, with Hispanic heritage

I am a nonprofit leader and operations professional with over 6 years of experience spanning organizational leadership, development operations, and program coordination.

Founded and managed an independent nonprofit for three years before specializing in development systems management and cross-functional operations for international organizations.

My emphasis and interest in post-traumatic growth and psychosocial support started at the American Red Cross in 2019, understanding the reality of military families. Additionally, I have three years of research examining humanitarian interventions, gender-based violence, and forced displacement across multiple regions.

I am driven by a commitment to expanding opportunities for marginalized populations, strengthening democratic institutions, being a mentor/resource, and creating programs that help people rebuild with agency.

Experience

  • Contract Researcher, International Organization for Migration, focusing on displaced persons’ housing, land, and property rights in Ethiopia

  • Graduate Research and Teaching Assistant, American University

  • Intern at the American Red Cross, Service to Armed Forces

  • Co-Founder, The Interns Foundation (advocacy for paid internships in international organizations)

  • Manager, Development Systems and Strategy at the German Marshall Fund of the United States

  • Alumni Career Mentor, American University

  • Children’s Program Volunteer, Doorways

  • Federal Policy Analyst, Executive Chamber of the State of NY

  • Volunteer Coordinator, AmeriCorps Hurricane Harvey Disaster Recovery

My Principles

  • My approach centers on active listening to understand your unique needs, then co-creating solutions and pathways forward together. My role is to help you see possibilities clearly, connect you with community and resources, and support you in building the plan that works for your life. Your hope and intentional action can make anything possible.

  • Service Above Self
    Committment to mentoring others in public service as they navigate their own journeys.

    Lived Experience Matters
    Your background is an asset, not something to overcome. I validate your struggles, and I don't pretend it's easy when it's not.

    Growth Through Challenge
    Discomfort is part of the process, but suffering isn't required. I motivate you while supporting you.

  • Honesty over false hope
    I won't promise outcomes I can't control, but I will help you maximize your chances.

    Meeting you where you are
    I adapt to your reality. No judgment about gaps, detours, or non-linear paths.

    Practical over theoretical
    Every session ends with clear next steps you can actually take. Resources you can use, not concepts you'll forget.

Schedule your discovery call

What You Should Know

I'm not a therapist; I'm a career strategist and experienced mentor who happens to understand trauma and know how impactful and stagnant one can feel in the face of extreme turbulence in personal and environmental experiences. You never truly move past a traumatic event, but you learn how to live with it better.

I have utilized a variety of coping skills that helped me, and I share them freely. However, my role is to help you build your career pathway, not to provide clinical support.

I'm also still navigating. I haven't "arrived." I'm still learning, still growing, still surfing my own waters.

Sometimes it just helps to know that you are not alone, and that is why I am here!

Ready to explore what is possible?

I offer a free discovery call to see if we're a good fit!