Her Story
About Kiana
Kiana (Nikki) Carr is an accomplished military professional currently serving as the Reserve Affairs Chief at the US Army Criminal Investigation Division, where she supports active-duty formations with criminal investigations and the protection of senior Department of Defense officials. As a member of the Military Police Corps, Nikki brings nearly two decades of military service, distinguished by expertise in personnel management, strategic operations, force protection, and policy development. Her commitment to service was shaped by her family’s legacy, including her grandfathers’ World War II service and her mother’s experience as a Department of the Army civilian during the events of 9/11. Throughout her career, Nikki has held numerous leadership and operational roles within the United States Army Reserve, including Mobilization Plans and Policy/Future Operations Planner, Operations Officer, Provost Marshal/Force Protection Officer, Assistant Professor of Military Science, and Company Commander. She has led complex missions, developed strategic policies, mentored future military leaders, and supported initiatives focused on organizational readiness, security, and operational effectiveness. Nikki is scheduled to attend the National War College in Washington, D.C., where she will engage with interagency and international partners while exploring innovative approaches to modernizing and strengthening the military force. Nikki holds a Master of Arts in Business and Organizational Security Management from Webster University, graduating Magna Cum Laude, and is a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. She attributes her success to the values instilled by her family, including a commitment to excellence, perseverance, and honoring the sacrifices of those who came before her. A dedicated leader and mentor, Nikki continues to make an impact through her military service, community involvement with Habitat for Humanity, and personal interests in home renovation and construction, while balancing her professional commitments with her wife and two children.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kiana
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the strong foundation, values, and work ethic instilled in me by my family. My parents taught me the importance of perseverance, accountability, and striving for excellence, encouraging me to embrace challenges and always give my best effort. Their sacrifices and guidance have motivated me to honor their legacy through my own accomplishments. Today, my commitment to my wife and children continues to inspire me to lead by example, remain dedicated to my goals, and create a meaningful impact both personally and professionally.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to leave every organization and every assignment better than I found it. That mindset keeps me focused on adding value, strengthening teams, and making sure my work has a lasting impact.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the military is to embrace who they are and bring their authentic selves to every opportunity. However, they should also be prepared to grow, adapt, and face challenges along the way. Military service will test individuals mentally, physically, and emotionally, but those experiences are opportunities to build resilience and confidence. Never diminish yourself to meet someone else’s expectations; instead, recognize that wearing the uniform does not erase your identity—it strengthens and amplifies the unique qualities, values, and strengths you bring to the mission.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest opportunity in my current field is using technology to enhance criminal investigations, cybercrime response, and executive protection. AI can help investigative analysts process information faster and identify patterns more effectively, while UAS and cUAS capabilities are becoming increasingly important in protective operations. In executive protection, those technologies improve situational awareness, threat detection, and response planning, allowing teams to be more proactive and better prepared.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me most are integrity, discipline, and purpose. I want my work to reflect high standards, but I also want my personal life to reflect the same qualities. I believe character should be consistent in how you lead, how you love, how you serve, and how you carry yourself when no one is watching.
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