Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Nika White.
Dr. White, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
To the surprise of most people, my background is in marketing communications. I worked for a large ad agency headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, which also had a presence in New York. During my tenure, I moved between both offices. While I love Greenville, I found myself envious when traveling to New York, where I saw greater diversity in the workforce-a sight that made me hopeful for Greenville. At the time, I was among the few professionals of color at the 400+ person agency in Greenville. I knew that one of the agency’s big, hairy, audacious goals (BHAG) was to become the most admired agency in the Southeast. However, I was challenged by how we could achieve that recognition without being intentional about our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. What bothered me most was that, in our profession, our goal was to be smart marketing partners to clients whose consumer bases were incredibly diverse. We needed global diversity-people of all backgrounds, ethnicities, and races. Yet, we weren’t taking the necessary steps to position ourselves for that goal.
Around that time, the Attorney General’s office began mandating agencies in big markets like New York and Chicago to diversify the industry. While South Carolina wasn’t yet on their radar, I questioned why we should wait for an external mandate if we aspired to lead. I saw an opportunity for us to become better client partners by being proactive and intentional about diversity. I decided to speak up and approached the President/CEO, with whom I had a good rapport, and candidly asked why there weren’t more people who looked like me at the agency and why we weren’t doing more. He listened intently and responded, “Yes, Nika, I agree; you’re right. We’re going to do it. And you’re going to lead it, now tell us how.” I wasn’t prepared for that challenge, but I was passionate and willing to learn. I immersed myself in DEI work, balancing it with my client services role, and began reading and studying everything I could. This dual role eventually led to more opportunities, and I learned the importance of aligning skill with will to create effective, impactful change.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the major challenges I’ve faced as a founder and entrepreneur has been navigating the unpredictability and demands of growing a business while staying true to my vision and values. Starting Nika White Consulting meant stepping into uncharted territory, where I was responsible not only for developing a sustainable business model but also for building the right team and aligning with partners who shared my commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The ebbs and flows of entrepreneurship can be daunting; there have been moments of doubt and isolation. I overcame these challenges by intentionally seeking out and cultivating relationships with mentors, advisors, and collaborators who could help bring my vision to life. I invested in my own development, honed my business acumen, and learned to work on my business-not just in it-so I could focus on strategic growth and long-term impact. Building trust within my team, fostering open dialogue, and celebrating small wins along the way have also been crucial. Ultimately, the resilience to persist through setbacks and the willingness to adapt have allowed me to grow Nika White Consulting into a platform that not only drives organizational change but also creates space for others to rise and lead.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I am a nationally recognized authority in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) with over 20 years of leadership experience across corporate, government, non-profit, and educational sectors. As the founder and CEO of Nika White Consulting, I have partnered with hundreds of organizations-including Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, and government agencies-and managed millions in business assets, helping clients systematically embed DEIB into their business frameworks to drive sustainable transformation and foster cultures of belonging. My expertise lies at the intersection of organizational development and industrial psychology, where I leverage my background in marketing communications, dialogue facilitation, and leadership development to optimize systems and human capital.
Beyond my consulting work, I am deeply committed to social impact and community advancement. I co-founded the Carlo and Nika White Foundation, which is dedicated to expanding economic opportunity, education, and leadership development for underrepresented communities. My service on numerous boards-including the International African American Museum, United Way of Greenville County, Columbia College Board of Trustees, and the Carolinas-Virginia Minority Supplier Development Council-reflects my passion for advancing equity at every level. As an award-winning management and leadership consultant, keynote speaker, and author of three books on DEI (including Inclusion Uncomplicated), I have delivered over 200 keynote speeches and presentations nationwide, sharing practical strategies for team engagement, intentional inclusion, and race equity. Through my “Intentional Conversations” vodcast and community initiatives, I mentor the next generation of leaders and amplify underrepresented voices. My holistic, human-centered approach continues to shape organizations, drive social impact, and inspire lasting, positive change in the DEIB space.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
I have several pieces of advice for those just starting out, drawn from my own journey and lessons learned along the way. First, surround yourself with a strong community or “brain trust” of partners and mentors who can support you, challenge you, and go on the journey with you. Building something meaningful is never a solo act, and the wisdom, encouragement, and accountability of others are invaluable.
Second, always remain a student. Continual learning and curiosity are essential-not just for mastering your craft, but for staying relevant and catapulting your business to the next level. At the same time, remember to be human-centered in all you do; prioritize empathy, relationships, and the well-being of those you serve and work with.
It’s also important to be clear about your boundaries: know what you can do, what you will do, and what you won’t do. This clarity will help you make decisions that align with your values and vision. Lastly, don’t overlook the importance of building your business acumen. It’s not enough to be an expert in your field-you must also learn how to build, scale, and sustain a business with the right capacity and infrastructure. Stay open, stay connected, and never stop learning.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nikawhite.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikacwhite/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nikacwhite
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikawhite/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NikaWhite2015
