When Nikita Richards ’06, M.S. ’15, made the transition from serving in the United States Navy to a full-time politics and government student at Illinois State, she knew she could impact change in the lives of those around her, and today, she is doing exactly that for the state of Illinois.
Since graduating from Illinois State, Richards has remained connected to the University by serving on the Alumni Association Board of Directors and on their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) committee, as well as speaking to and sitting on panels for various areas and departments across campus. While staying connected with the University, Richards has also continued to thrive professionally as the owner of NDR Communications. She is also the former community relations manager for the City of Bloomington, and is a former public relations and brand reputation manager for COUNTRY Financial.
Richards’ hard work, determination, and involvement has not gone unnoticed by both Illinois State University and the State of Illinois. In late 2018, Richards was appointed to serve on Gov. JB Pritzker’s transition team for the Serving Illinois’ Heroes committee, which is dedicated to advising Pritzker on veterans’ issues. This is something Richards understands firsthand as a veteran herself. In 2019, she was appointed to and continues to serve on the Illinois Council on Women and Girls, serving as co-chair of its leadership and inclusion committee. This council is chaired by Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton. In 2020, Richards received the Outstanding Service in Leadership award from Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs. In 2022, she was inducted into the College of Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame, then later recognized by the U.S. House of Representatives for her leadership and accomplishments.
“Fortunately, for me, my work in regard to all things DEI, access, justice, and belonging has caught the attention of people from all across the community and the state,” Richards said. “When you’re someone who’s simply doing the work for all the right reasons, you don’t always realize who’s watching.”
At the start of 2022, the State of Illinois’ Office of the Governor established the Commission on Equity and Inclusion (CEI), and when the time came to appoint someone to the position of the internal/external communications and legislative affairs officer, it was clear who would be perfect for the role: Nikita Richards.
“I am incredibly proud to have been considered for this role,” Richards said. “It’s an honor to serve in this capacity for one of the greatest states in our country, and I’m proud to serve under an administration that is so passionate about equity and inclusion.”
This new commission works to expand access to state contracts for minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veterans/service-disabled veterans, as well as to enhance equity and inclusion throughout the workforce. As the internal/external communications and legislative officer, Richards will oversee all communication and content strategy for public facing work, including managing crises, as well as serving as the spokesperson for all things equity and inclusion. Two of the most important responsibilities that Richards will overtake are monitoring and advocating for equitable legislation as it relates to the state’s procurement code in addition to developing and implementing communication strategies to ensure that under-represented businesses across the state are aware of the resources that exist to help increase their economic wealth.
“It’s a vast responsibility because there are a number of stakeholders that just aren’t aware as to what’s available to them. Information such as how to become Business Enterprise Program/ Veteran or Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business Program certified or how to go about the competitive bidding process. I love the reaction that I get when sharing information regarding CEI’s Mentor Protégé Program (MPP), which works to foster the development and mentoring of Minority, Women, and Persons with Disabilities-owned businesses and enables experienced firms to provide various types of support to create more equitable access for economic growth while meeting the State’s BEP contracting goals. This work is incredibly necessary and I’m excited to carry it out,” Richards said.
This duty falls under one of the CEI’s nine statutory areas of focus, which states that “The Commission shall have a role in all State and university procurement by facilitating and streamlining communications between the Business Enterprise Council for Minorities, Women, and Persons with Disabilities (BEP Council), the purchasing entities, the Chief Procurement Officers, and others.” Thus, Richards will aid minority owned businesses in learning how to apply for bids and work through the process of acquiring state contracts.
In addition to working with minority owned businesses on state procurement, Richards will also work to ensure that bills that are submitted to the state will include equity and inclusion components related to state promotions, hiring, and the state workforce overall. This work not only supports the DEI initiative set forth by the governor, but it also provides for the people of Illinois.
“It gives me a great sense of pride to know that together we are devoted to ensuring that there are no bills that will come to pass that will harm or interfere with our state’s DEI goals concerning procurement, hiring, or the state workforce,” Richards said.
Richard’s devotion to DEI initiatives has been clear since her time as a student at Illinois State. With the support of her professors, she was able to pursue those passions inside the classroom to help her reach where she is now.
“Certain professors saw me and recognized my drive and potential and didn’t hinder or attempt to kindle my passion for all things social justice, equity, and transformational leadership,” Richards said. “I’m grateful for those professors who not only allowed me to grow but fostered that drive and passion.”
It is Richards’ continued drive and passion for the work she is doing that has allowed her to develop an incredibly successful career that has now reached the state level. As Redbird Nikita Richards takes flight in this inaugural position, it is clear that she will continue to make her Redbird Impact on the citizens of Illinois.
