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

I'm Nikki, an American and Dutch citizen with Hispanic heritage who grew up on the Texas-Mexico border in McAllen.

For over 6 years, I've worked across humanitarian and nonprofit spaces. I started with the Red Cross providing psychosocial support to military families navigating trauma and transition. From there, I've led housing and land rights research grounded in Ethiopian communities' own priorities, managed disaster recovery following Hurricane Harvey, and co-founded an independent nonprofit focused on expanding opportunities for marginalized populations.

Most recently, I've worked in operations and systems design for INGOs and domestic nonprofits, which focuses on the behind-the-scenes infrastructure that lets human rights-driven missions actually function under real-world constraints.

Throughout this journey, I've also spent 3+ years researching humanitarian interventions, gender-based violence, and forced displacement across multiple regions.

Experience

  • Program Manager, Administration & Operations, Affordable Homes & Communities (Present)

  • Children’s Program Volunteer, Doorways (Present)

  • Alumni Career Mentor, American University (Present)

  • Contract Researcher, International Organization for Migration, focusing on displaced persons’ housing, land, and property rights in Ethiopia (2024)

  • Manager, Development Systems and Strategy at the German Marshall Fund of the United States (2023)

  • Federal Policy Analyst, Executive Chamber of the State of NY (2022)

  • Graduate Research and Teaching Assistant, American University (2022)

  • Co-Founder, The Interns Foundation (advocacy for paid internships in international organizations) (2021)

  • Volunteer Coordinator, AmeriCorps Hurricane Harvey Disaster Recovery (2021)

  • Intern at the American Red Cross, Service to Armed Forces (2019)

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!