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

Nikiya, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

Sometimes when we pause and think about where we come from, it is powerful to start with this truth: what my parents did right was having me. Without their love and commitment to each other at that time, I would not be here to tell my story. And that in itself is a reminder that no matter how imperfect life can be, there is always something divine about beginnings.

One thing my parents, Patricia Byrd and Yul Turner, did beautifully was choosing friendship over bitterness. Although their relationship didn’t last in the traditional sense, they remained connected through mutual respect and genuine care. To this day, I can watch them sit down, talk, and be there for me as a united front. That has shaped me in more ways than I can count. It has taught me that love shows up in different forms, and that loyalty is not always about being together, but about being present.

This lesson has fueled how I approach my career and my relationships. I show up with commitment. I stay loyal to my goals. And I honor the people who walk alongside me on this journey. Watching my parents remain friends gave me the blueprint to understand that success, whether personal or professional, requires patience, communication, and a willingness to see the bigger picture beyond temporary disagreements.

As a child, I wanted my parents to be together. My mom and I moved away, so my dad was not always there physically, but he would call, send cards filled with meaning, and my mom made sure I visited him every summer. Those moments showed me consistency and love, even if it looked different from what I imagined.

What my parents did right goes far beyond just raising me. They modeled resilience, friendship, and unconditional support, and those lessons continue to shape who I am today.

Nikiya, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Nikiya Jeffries, known to many as NikiMarie, the creator of NikiMarie Radio, a Mental Health Advocate, and a Higher Education Professional. Some may also remember me from earlier work as Nikiya Rodriguez. At the heart of everything I do is a passion for storytelling, education, and advocacy. I’ve built a brand that connects media, mental health awareness, and higher education, all with the goal of inspiring and empowering others.

My path in mental health advocacy began with creating The Balancing Act: Highs, Lows, and Lessons, a podcast series designed to bring more conversations forward on the realities of mental health. I have worked with licensed therapists on several episodes to address the unique challenges facing the Black and Brown community, as well as the mental health struggles that came to the forefront during the global pandemic. My goal has always been to break down stigma, encourage open dialogue, and provide a platform where people can feel supported and understood.

This advocacy extended globally when I co-created a Mental Health Global Summit on the voice app Clubhouse, which brought together voices from across the world to address critical issues in mental health. This work was recognized by Forbes Magazine, which featured the summit as an example of using digital spaces to amplify meaningful conversations on an international scale.

In addition to advocacy, I continue to build platforms through media and education. Through NikiMarie Radio, podcast production, and photography, I capture authentic stories and create spaces that honor identity, resilience, and healing. As a Higher Education Professional, I also guide students and families through the complexities of financial aid, ensuring they have access to opportunities that can shape their futures.

What sets me apart is the intention I bring to every project. Whether I am producing content, advocating for mental health, or advising students, I focus on creating experiences that empower people to see their worth and move forward with confidence. I am most proud of merging my passions into a brand that reflects both my values and my mission: to educate, uplift, and connect communities through storytelling and advocacy.

For anyone who engages with my work, I want them to know that authenticity, resilience, and community are at the heart of everything I do. I am committed to showing people that their stories matter, and that when shared with intention, those stories can spark change and leave a lasting legacy.

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

I truly feel that we are all where we need to be in our journey, so I would not change my profession or specialty. My career in higher education has given me the opportunity to support students and families as they navigate the often confusing world of college funding. It has been rewarding to help them access resources and opportunities that open doors to their future. At the same time, my work in media, through NikiMarie Radio, hosting podcasts like The Balancing Act: Highs, Lows, and Lessons, and now hosting The Nassau Mix and co-hosting The Recess Bell: On Air which can be heard on 90.3FM WHPC, has allowed me to connect with people in a completely different but equally meaningful way.

If I could add to my path, I would pursue becoming a licensed mental health therapist. That would allow me to combine my advocacy work with even more direct support, particularly for Black and Brown communities and others who face unique challenges in accessing mental health resources. I have already seen the power of opening conversations about mental health, from addressing challenges during the pandemic to hosting a global Mental Health Summit on Clubhouse.

So while I would not change my career, I see a natural evolution in building on the work I already love while expanding my ability to serve and support others in meaningful ways.

Have you ever had to pivot?

One of the biggest pivots in my life came during the transition from being a full-time Financial Aid Advisor to stepping into the world of podcasting and media. From 2008 to 2018, I worked in higher education, guiding students and families through the financial aid process. In 2018, I decided to take a leap and start my podcast, which I named NikiMarie Radio. For the first time in over a decade, I stepped away from my career for a year to focus fully on building my platform. My husband, Chad Jeffries, was my steady foundation during that season. He carried us financially so that I could fully pursue my creative dreams, and his unwavering support made it possible for me to give my passion the attention it truly deserved.

Once I dedicated myself to my podcast and content, things began to move quickly. At one point, I partnered with another entrepreneur who offered to help, but unfortunately that collaboration did not last. I also started working with publicists to book guests, which opened incredible opportunities, but the requests soon became overwhelming. By then, I was running everything on my own after ending that partnership.
In the middle of all that momentum, the pandemic hit. The weight of it all, along with my need to protect my mental health, led me to step back and put the podcast on pause. My last episode aired in 2021.

But that pivot gave me the space to realign and refocus. In 2021, I returned to working full-time in Financial Aid. About ten months later, I was promoted to Assistant Director of Financial Aid, a role that allowed me to step back into higher education with greater responsibility and leadership. At the same time, I didn’t fully step away from media. In 2023, I became a co-host on The Morning Madhouse and later the host of The Nassau Mix on 90.3FM WHPC.
That experience taught me the power of flexibility and listening to what I truly need in the moment. Sometimes a pivot is not about giving something up but about creating room for growth in a different way. I’ve learned that higher education and media are both central to my purpose. Taking intentional breaks to care for my mental health doesn’t just recharge you. It makes you stronger, sharper, and more effective. If there is one thing I have discovered, it is that pausing is not falling behind, it is preparing to show up fully in everything you do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.therecessbell.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikimarie_radio
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikimarie1
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/NikiMarieRadio

Image Credits

Nikiya Jeffries, Chad Jeffries, WHPC Staff