Nikson (they/he) is based in Boise, Idaho, and implements Pride Foundation’s scholarship strategies—managing applications, coordinating reviewers, and supporting LGBTQ+ students across the Northwest. They bring over 15 years of experience in marketing and advertising, with the last four focused on purpose-driven brands and nonprofit organizations — experience they now use to advance access and equity, expand educational opportunities, and affirm queer and trans students.
For four years, Nikson worked as an adjunct professor at Boise State University, where they taught about communication, leadership, and audience engagement—an experience that continues to shape their approach to community work and advocacy.
Committed to advocating for LGBTQ+ rights in Idaho, Nikson organizes community actions, coordinates testimony, and directly lobbies lawmakers during each legislative session at the Idaho State Capitol. Through their work with local organizations, they focus on educating the community about proposed or passed legislation, fighting anti-LGBTQ+ bills, and building coalitions to ensure queer voices are centered in policy-making spaces.
Outside of work, Nikson enjoys spending time with their partner Reilly and pup Maisie, making art, and developing a cooperative deck-building board game—which may or may not ever get finished.
A quote I liked from a book I just finished.
“On a long enough timeline, endings are inevitable.
Tragedy is inevitable.
Fortunately, so is joy.”
— Chuck Tingle, Bury Your Gays
Favorite spot in the Northwest
It could be somewhere beautiful outside or a cozy spot inside with something tasty on the stove—as long as there’s a comfy chair, a good drink, and I’m gabbin’ with the people I love.