Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Latina Nickelson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Latina, thanks for joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

In 2016, I became the primary caregiver for 2 children diagnosed with autism. It was extremely difficult as I navigated the system to find resources and support. People were either not helpful or continued to tell me that my aspirations for them were unreasonable. Then one day, a school psychologist told me that the oldest child would never become anything in life. I was devastated and determined. How could a school official talk to me this way? Why did;t they want to help? I realized that I would have to help myself, so I educated myself on the laws of IDEA (Individuals with disabilities act) and FAPE (free and appropriate education). During that process, I realized that people need help in this area because even as a professionally educated woman, “I didn’t know what I didn’t know.”

That lead to wanting to help other get what is deserved in the educational system where BIPOC are usually looked at as behavior issues, and their educational needs are never addressed. I knew this would work because even though there are other advocates worldwide, BIPOC makes up over 50% of the cases. Because of this, I also know that I would have to speak not just about the education roadblocks but understand the cultural .roadblocks. I do this by taking a personal approach, letting them know I understand, and from the very moment they consult with me, I am a accomplice in the process.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hi! My name is Latina Nickelson. M.Ed. Most people call me Ms. T. My pronouns are she/her/hers/ella. Nickelson Project provides advocacy services through coaching and mentoring BIPOC parents & caregivers of youth 3 – 21 with anxiety, ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), ADHD, and behavioral concerns. We aid in the development of special education services that take their navigation of the IEP/504 plan process from Chaos to Collaboration. Our goal is to help clients identify and dissolve subconscious blocks preventing them from unlocking the full potential of their children.

I have always been in the business of children and ensuring they have access to opportunities outside their communities by providing training and workshops. Yet, this endeavor is both a labor of love and experience because I check off almost every stereotype, so I understand professionally and personally what it feels like to be unheard. I tout the tagline “I am in it with you” because not only do I speak for you, I always teach how to view the process with a lens that will create better advocacy skills long term.

The Professional
I have a Master’s Degree in Education (M. Ed). a Certification in Autism Spectrum Disorders with training in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. I have worked as an After School Administrator in urban, science, and government settings giving me a perspective of the resources many parents need before tackling the problem.

I am most proud of the success stories of children, The ones that were struggling in school and are now included to their maximum ability and are “seen” by not only the administrative staff of their school but the general school community.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I am still “unlearning” this lesson. I can not wear ALL the hats ALL the time. As a professional woman of color, I always believed I had to be “better’ than others, especially since I did not fit the universally accepted mold of what a professional woman managing million-dollar budgets looked like.

In the days before my small business entrepreneurship – I wanted to be the marketing media specialist, the accountant, the lawyer, and the lead advocate. All areas I knew about but never really worked in because, in my past professional life, I had teams to complete those assignments; I just oversaw them and approved or denied them.

This was a hard lesson to learn because this business is not just my livelihood. It is also the legacy I want to leave to my own (dis)Ability children.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

My most effective strategy has been being my authentic self. Honestly telling families what my experience has been with the public school special education system. How I overcame the obsiticles that were hindering my (dis)Ability children the education and services they deserved.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.nickelsonproject.com
• Instagram: NickelsonProject
• Facebook: NickelsonProject
• Linkedin: Latina Nickelson M.Ed
• Other: TypicalisBoring/etsy.com