Nikki Santos

Executive Director, Center for Native American Youth, The Aspen Institute

District of Columbia

Nikki Santos (Coeur d'Alene Tribe) is the executive director of the Center for Native American Youth at the Aspen Institute, an organization with a vision for all Native American youth to lead full and healthy lives, be honored for the leaders they are, and have the resources and agency to create the world Native youth are worthy of and deserve. As executive director, Nikki works closely with the Board of Advisors, manages staff, and sets the vision, strategy, and priorities for the Center. Nikki oversees finances, manages the development of communications, advocacy, and programs, and is the lead in resource development, partnership development, and collaborative strategies. Nikki has worked on behalf of her people her whole life. Her biggest inspiration comes from her daughter, Aplnmarimn’tsu’tn (Carries the Medicine).