Nikki Walker is a passionate advocate for education and cultural access, with more than a decade of experience advancing educational equity, innovation, and opportunity across public and nonprofit sectors. As Director of Education at the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM), she shapes the museum’s educational vision, creating transformative programs that connect students, educators, and communities through the legacy of African American music and culture.

Her career includes leadership and programmatic roles with several Nashville nonprofit organizations, where she has championed literacy, academic enrichment, and community engagement initiatives that continue to impact students across Middle Tennessee. Nikki’s return to NMAAM marks a full-circle moment—she previously served as Education and Program Manager, where she developed culturally rich programming, built strong school partnerships, and expanded access to music-based learning experiences for thousands of students.

Having the opportunity to unite her two greatest passions—music and education—Nikki is deeply inspired by the museum’s mission to educate and uplift through culture, creativity, and connection.

A proud Nashville native, Nikki holds a B.S. in Communications from Tennessee State University and an M.Ed. in Organizational Leadership and Communication from Belmont University. She remains committed to equity, access, and lifelong learning, creating pathways for children, families, and educators to thrive through the arts and education.