NIKKI MEDINA RODRIGUEZ: 2023 Top Lideres Awards; Jacksonville

​What is your Hispanic Heritage?

Nikki: Puerto Rican

What area of Florida do you live in:

Nikki: Jacksonville

What is your profession:

Nikki: Director of Outreach at Rebel Recovery Jax

I began doing direct harm reduction street outreach to individuals experiencing substance use issues and homelessness in 2019. I continued developing this program for free, in my own time. My passion and diligence in our mission have held strong because I am a person who struggled with addiction and mental health issues, I've also lost loved ones to these issues. I believe in strongly what I do and I know I can change my community if I keep going.

Latin Times Magazine: In your industry, what would you say separates you from your

competition

Nikki:  I am grassroots all the way. I learned most of the things I needed to do this job by going out into the community and experiencing it for myself.

Latin Times Magazine: Why do you feel you were nominated

Nikki:  Because I have a strong connection with the community and other fellow activists who work diligently to change our community.

Latin Times Magazine: During Covid-19, tell us about your Biggest Challenge/obstacle and how you overcame it/or are overcoming it

Nikki:  Burn-out. During Covid, I was working 2 jobs in the field of mental health and addiction, and I was doing my own direct outreach to individuals who needed support. I got burned out and got incredibly sick. I took time off all work to begin healing and restructuring my habits and thoughts. I take much better care of myself these days and I have much more compassion for myself too.

Latin Times Magazine: Tell us about your biggest achievement, and how you achieved it?

Nikki:  My biggest achievement has been the grassroots development of my program, Underground Recovery Jax. It started with me and my right hand woman, Melissa Salazar, doing direct outreach and Narcan distribution to individuals staying in hotels, dope houses, on the streets. We funded this program out of our own money and crowd funded to meet the needs of our people. This year, 2023, we received our first official funding from AidsUnited, Comer Family Foundation, and NASTAD. I am so proud of how far we have come and all the work we put into creating this and filling a gap in our community. 

Latin Times Magazine: What is next for you? What can people expect to see from you?

Nikki:  We plan to continue developing and meeting more people where they're at, both physically and emotionally. We want to continue to prevent people from losing their lives to unnecessary overdose deaths and teach them how to protect themselves from contracting infectious diseases. We want to foster wellness and self-empowerment in our communities.

Latin Times Magazine: What does being a U.S. Citizen mean to you? 

Nikki:  Options and opportunities!

Latin Times Magazine: What is the best lesson that you have learned in leadership and how has it helped your career?

Nikki:  To always be learning. I am never done learning. Knowledge is power.

Latin Times Magazine: What is YOUR comida Latina favorita?

Nikki:  Arroz con gandules con pasteles!