Empowering Potential
My name is Nikki - Raised with Grit, Leading with Heart
I’m the kind of leader who collaborates to rally the team, shape the plan, and get it done. Nicknamed “The Can-Do-It Kid” by my grandfather, I’ve carried that positive, gritty spirit into every role—building and transforming organizations that deliver measurable community impact.
Get to Know the Can Do It Kid
I’m a builder—of organizations, opportunities, and people. As President of the Marine Trades Institute, I helped grow a small trade school into a nationally recognized leader in workforce development. From strategic planning and launching CRMs to forging national partnerships, I turn mission into measurable results.​
My background spans executive leadership, human resources, accounting, and business operations. I help organizations lay strong foundations—for growth, and lasting impact.
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Along the way, I’ve picked up a few honors:
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Darlene Briggs Woman of the Year (marine industry’s top award)
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Boating Industry's 40 Under 40
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Boating Industry's Women Making Waves
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Michigan Boating Industry Associationsand Lighthouse Award winner x 2
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Under my leadership, MTI was named Nonprofit of the Year for both the Les Cheneaux Chamber of Commerce and Upper Peninsula and entered into the U.S. Congressional Record for its work with veterans
What sets me apart? Tenacity. I lead with clarity, care, and conviction. Whether securing investment, shaping culture, or championing underserved students, I believe in the power of people to drive results.
Understanding
my why...
I believe that big ideas don’t start with big budgets—they start with someone who’s willing to roll up their sleeves and figure it out. That’s how I was raised. That’s how I lead.
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I was nicknamed “The Can-Do Kid” by my grandfather not because I had the answers, but because I had the drive to dig in and get things done. That spirit has guided my journey—from transforming a small trade school into a nationally recognized institution, to launching narrative-shifting initiatives like SURGE, to mentoring leaders navigating change with more questions than resources.
My “why” is rooted in rural resilience, working-class ingenuity, and a belief that overlooked communities have untapped potential. I don’t just consult—I partner with leaders to build strategy that’s grounded in reality and designed for results.
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Whether it's helping a nonprofit regain its footing, a school unlock funding, or a startup clarify its direction—I do it because I’ve been there. I know what it takes. And I believe in those who are bold enough to try.
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"Rural communities and businesses don’t need rescuing. They need partners who believe in possibility—and know how to turn it into progress." Nikki Storey
The Can Do Effect
Stephanie McGreevy
Executive Director
Mackinac Island Community Foundation
Mackinac Island
Nikki is, hands down, one of my favorite people to talk shop (or just about anything!) with. She's got this amazing knack for taking the wildest ideas and not only making them real but making them resonate with everyone. She's the kind of partner who genuinely inspires you to think bigger and brighter, all while keeping things wonderfully grounded.
Stacy Storey
Owner & Operator
Full Potential LLC
Pickford
"Nikki really helped me step back and see the big picture. She challenged me to think outside my comfort zone and introduced me to people and tools that opened up new opportunities. She genuinely believes in what’s possible — and that kind of energy and guidance really helped me move forward."
Contact
I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect.
906-440-6829
