In This Episode:
Nurturing a Vibrant Community
Nikki Romain is a skilled artist and philanthropist. She grew up in a difficult setting — moving around, facing homelessness and even assault. Now, as Executive Director of Artists ReEnvisioning Tomorrow (ART) Inc., Nikki uses theatre, music and writing to share her story and empower women and youth in the community to do the same.
Nikki and her husband, Jonathan, founded ART Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, in 2017. Just one year later, they purchased the historic former Greeley School and began putting in the elbow grease to transform it into the Romain Arts & Culture Center (RACC). The innovative center’s mission is to foster a community of diverse voices by offering education, art classes and safe, creative spaces where youth can thrive and reach their full potential.
Nikki says she felt voiceless until she discovered theatre. It opened her world and made her feel empowered. She sees it as one way to uplift others who feel lost. And it fueled her inspiration for ART Inc.—a place to nurture a vibrant community through arts and education, foster artistic excellence, entrepreneurship, and bring all people together for a powerful, shared experience.
Even beyond her job, Nikki dedicates her time to serving Greater Peoria, sitting on boards for multiple civic organizations and philanthropic committees.
In this inspiring episode, Nikki dives into the story of how she discovered her creative outlet, the highs and lows of her journey and her wealth of experiences. She also explains the many programs and services ART Inc. offers and shares their future plans for expansion.
“My mission in life is to empower women and young adults.”
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About Nikki Romain
Nikki Romain is a Midwest girl with a Southern twist, having been raised in Chicago, Atlanta and Dallas. Her upbringing fostered fierce social skills and a love for arts, culture and community. Nikki has an extensive background as an actor, singer, writer and voice over artist and feels right at home on stage.
Nikki’s personal mission in life is to empower the lives of women and youth. It’s what led to the creation of Artists ReEnvisioning Tomorrow Inc-ART Inc. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, founded in 2017 by Nikki and her husband, is an innovative arts and culture center designed to inspire and empower the community with creative classes, programs and artistic resources.
Outside of work, Nikki serves on the HOI United Way Board of Directors, the Peoria Joint Commission on Racial Justice & Equity, the IL Arts Alliance’s Arts Leadership Council, and several other philanthropic committees. She is also the Vice President of the Greater Peoria Illinois Chapter of Jack and Jill of America and Arts Facet chair of the Central Illinois (IL) Chapter of The Links.
Nikki is married to her soul mate and best friend, Jonathon Romain, and is the proud mother of Kennedy Alexandra Romain. Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn.