People of NSCC: Nikki Farmer empowering women's futures

Nikki Farmer doesn’t define success by job titles or credentials. For her, success starts much earlier, with helping women believe they belong, have choices and can move forward on their own terms.

As a Program Navigator with Women Unlimited at NSCC Akerley Campus, Nikki’s work is rooted in advocacy, accountability and care. Her career path reflects a long‑standing commitment to supporting people who are navigating barriers, transitions and fresh starts.

“I went from working with marginalized, criminalized, victimized women, being an advocate for their rights in prison, to an advocate for homeless youth,” Nikki explains. “Then I went on to do employment work at Nova Scotia Works. Working with Women Unlimited just seemed to fit with everything that I was passionate about.”

For Nikki, Women Unlimited brings together everything she values. “It’s about helping girls and women get their lives back on track and ensuring that everybody I encounter feels they can succeed, overcome barriers and get to the place in life they so deserve to be.”

Leading with authenticity

At the heart of Nikki’s work is authenticity. She believes people do their best learning and growing when they feel safe enough to be themselves. “I try to be my authentic self with everyone I encounter, and I hope they feel they can be their brave, authentic self with me,” she says. “They can be the person they want to be, and I will be non-judgmental.”

While Nikki is deeply supportive, she’s also clear about expectations. Progress matters. “I will always meet people where they’re at, but I will never stay where I meet them,” she says. “Being stagnant shouldn’t be part of a journey.”

Together with participants, Nikki creates action plans that can be revisited and adjusted as needed. The goal is always forward movement. “If we go back to the place where I met you for any period of time, that means I didn’t do my job.”
 
Her approach is shaped by lived experience. “When I experienced low points in my life, I didn’t need somebody to help me,” Nikki says. “I needed somebody to be brave with me, to support me, to give me options and to be brutally honest.”

That perspective informs how she shows up every day. “There are enough helpers in the world. I’m not a helper. I provide options and support and help navigate people through obstacles of life. I’ll help you pour the foundation, but I won’t build your house for you.”

Creating a culture of communication and respect

From the beginning of the program, Nikki sets the tone around communication and accountability. Women are encouraged to speak up, ask questions and respectfully address concerns, including with Nikki herself. “People can’t change behaviour if they don’t know it’s hurting someone or disrupting their wellbeing,” she says. “Assumptions come from a lack of communication.”

Open communication, active listening and respect for different lived experiences are central to the learning environment. “Your experience isn’t going to be the same as someone else’s,” Nikki reminds participants. “We’re all learners and teachers here.”

Some of the most valuable lessons Nikki carries with her came from criminalized women, lessons that continue to shape how she supports others. Respect, she says, is non-negotiable.

“You don’t have to like me, and I don’t have to like you, but here’s what I do want: respect. And I will always respect you.”

Measuring impact beyond outcomes

For Nikki, the most rewarding part of the work isn’t where women end up. “It’s the act of starting and recognizing your own capability,” she says. “Even if women don’t complete the program, the goal is that they walk away knowing they have options, choices and a stronger sense of self.”

That sense of care doesn’t end when the program does. “If I met you in my life, you’re always going to be in my life,” Nikki says. “For some people, I may be the only consistent thing they have and that matters. I care.”

Finding alignment at NSCC

Nikki chose NSCC because its commitment to lifelong learning, balance and authenticity reflects how she lives and works. Being recognized and valued as an African Nova Scotian Métis woman affirmed that choice. She’s proud to continue this work at the College.