NIKKI BAKER: South Florida native is the 19th Southeast District governor of The National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. (NANBPWC), whose respected, accomplished and visionary members epitomize the character and wisdom of their foundational matriarch Sojourner Truth. PHOTO COURTESY OF GOFLY

A guest speaker once sagaciously proclaimed, “Ain’t I a woman?” – and immediately endeared himself to his audience of dignified ladies.

That’s because his hosts were a local gathering of The National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. (NANBPWC), during their annual luncheon in West Palm Beach.

Isabella Baumfree, more popularly known as Sojourner Truth – abolitionist, author and advocate for women’s and African American rights who immortalized those powerful words – is the foundational matriarch of the venerable service organization, whose Southeast District regional conference is set for March 13 – 16 in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Nikki Baker, the 19th Southeast District governor for NANBPWC and a proud South Florida native, is at the forefront of their 67th annual conference, bringing leadership, vision and commitment to the organization.

The gathering, like those before it, is an opportunity for members to be heard and take action through business meetings – something NANBPWC, Inc. has been championing for more than 64 years.

“It’s an honor to be a testament to the success of what it looks like when we come together and take care of business,” said Baker.

Conference Theme

The theme for this year’s conference, Baker said, is "Moving Forward with Purpose: Telling Our Story."

“This theme is especially meaningful to me because I believe we each have our own unique and detailed story,” Baker said.

“Our differences are not our disadvantage – they are our greatest strength. This conference provides an opportunity for me to share and reinforce that message with all who attend.”

Baker said she is particularly excited about the conference’s youth engagement initiatives.

“We have a youth workshop leader, Brandon Ellis of SpatialGrow.com, coming in to lead a session on agriculture and technology. He will help children build circuits that power hydroponic devices – an experience that can inspire them to explore new possibilities in STEM.”

This initiative is deeply personal for Baker, who was once a NANBPWC Youth Club member in Miami, Florida, at just 16 years old.

“At that time, the club was led by wellknown South Florida leaders such as

Mrs. Nancy Dawkins and Martha Day. Now, I have the privilege of being part of the club alongside another historical South Florida figure, Mrs. Ann McPhee Moorman – a longtime business owner of Ann’s Cleaners in Brownsville, where much of my family resided.”

Leadership Reflections

“I know that I am living history – not because of any personal accolades or accomplishments, but because I have been aligned and guided by God’s love and the wisdom of many in the South Florida community,” said Baker

“Now, this is our opportunity to spread that love, which is especially important at this moment in history.”

Professional Women

Baker is a graphic artist and owner of Super Flyers LLC. Within NANBPWC, Inc., she has served in multiple leader-ship roles, including:

• Past president of the South Florida Club

• Past president of the Broward County Business and Professional Women’s Network

• Southeast District Technology chair

• Past National Convention project manager

• Currently serving as Southeast District governor

“I’ve come a long way since receiving a $250 book scholarship in 1991,” Baker reflected. "I am an artist and a business person. The creative problem solving needed in my work, I hope will assist me in furthering our organization’s mission."

Hallowed History

Founded in 1934, The National. Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. (NANBPWC, Inc.) has a longstanding history of empowering professional women and their communities.

“Often, I hear people say, ‘Wow, I’ve never heard of you!’” Baker notes. “Now, I tell them they can visit our website at southeast-nanbpwc.org or check out our YouTube channel to learn about our programs in leadership, entrepreneurship, and technology.”

The organization also offers Google Certificate Programs, providing free scholarships for those looking to expand their skills in fields like project management, business analysis and cybersecurity.

Expanding the Impact

“As we continue to make strides, it has been personally important for me to use my skills to amplify the voices of our members while also connecting with like-minded and like-hearted women across the Southeast District,” said Baker. "Now we are seeking to re-engage lost clubs and start new ones."

The Southeast District encompasses Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia.

Baker finds inspiration in the words of matriarch Sojourner Truth, reminding her to always move forward with purpose.

“Every time I’m tempted to shy away from a challenge, I recall the promise that we must always ‘move forward.’ My duty is to do my best, let my light shine, and protect and promote the interests of business and professional women and children striving for success.”

Baker encourages participation in Founders’ Day Programs, which all NANBPWC clubs celebrate annually.

Visit southeast-nanbpwc.org.