Building New Pathways
at the Intersection
of Culture x Community
x Commerce.

#BNPAdvisory

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#NittyGrittyNikoa

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#HarlemCulturalFestival

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#BNPAdvisory • #NittyGrittyNikoa • #HarlemCulturalFestival •

Profile

An award-winning community development strategist, executive producer, and five-time entrepreneur, Nikoa is dedicated to championing  entrepreneurship and economic development emerging markets. With over 30 years of experience, she specializes in creating innovative strategies that foster consumer engagement and vibrant business ecosystems for entrepreneurs.

She is the Founder of online community & digital product suite The Nitty Gritty With Nikoa, designed to help entrepreneurs build community, avoid costly pitfalls, pivot with purpose and reclaim their power in the process. 

Passionate about cultural preservation and community growth, she is also a co-founder of the Harlem Cultural Festival and the Harlem Cultural Festival Foundation, an entertainment + impact enterprise committed to helping diverse communities prosper through strategic growth initiatives, collaboration and innovation. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Maison 276, a leading beauty and skincare brand for mature women. 

Partnerships

Uber/Uber Eats
Whole Food Market
Hendrick’s Gin
Jack Daniels
Uncle Nearest
Steve Madden
Build-A-Bear Workshop
Columbia University 
W X Y + architecture + urban design

  • The Renaissance Pavilion at Striver's Row

    Uber Eats: The Renaissance Pavilion at Striver's Row

    Winner of Interior Design Magazine’s NYCxDESIGN Awards 2021 for Outdoor Dining that launched a national economic model and program.

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  • BLM Street Mural & Public Exhibition

    This community and public impact activation featured two murals spanning two city blocks on Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd between 125th Street and 127th Street.

    View Exhibit

  • Harlem Local Vendor's Program

    Supplier Accelerator Program produced in partnership with Whole Foods Market & Columbia Business School.

    View Brand Clients

  • Battle of the Bars: Mixology Showcase

    Mixology Competition produced in partnership with award-winning Mixologist & Hospitality Entrepreneur Karl Franz Williams.

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  • Ruby's Vintage Harlem

    Ruby’s Vintage Kitchen & Bar located in the childhood residence of the legendary actress Ruby Dee, was named one of NYC’s top cocktail bars.


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  • Harlem Restaurant Week

    Bi-annual culinary program showcasing Harlem’s burgeoning hospitality industry that we now call the second renaissance.

    View Video