Her Story
About Nida
My career started from a love for community and my own children. When I first began over 15 years ago, I was a family resource coordinator at the school where my very small children attended. It was the perfect thing for me because I could be there for them while learning about all the resources available. As a first-time mom, I didn't know what was out there, and as I learned more, I realized I could help not just myself and my children, but so many people in the community. There are so many resources that people don't know about because they're not asking or feel like they don't qualify or aren't needed. I left that field to move to Dallas for a year, but when I came back, the mayor was running for election. He won and reached out to me, saying he needed me to come work with the community. For him, I've worked on writing grants, building bridges, fixing roads, building parks, and obviously connecting people with community resources - helping people find jobs, assistance with Social Security, food assistance, housing assistance, all of that. I also run a wellness center now, which is completely different but allows me to meet the needs of the community in a different aspect, helping with their health needs. By being able to reach out to the community and connect with people, I'm able to guide them into the medical aspect as well.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Nida
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my children. Every award I've gotten, I've done it to show them that the fear of getting on top of that stage and standing in front of 400, 500 people is doable. You can do it. You can be that person that everyone stands up in a crowd and claps for, because your mom did. But I also did it for myself, to show my communities, to show my people that a woman with my skin color, a woman with my religion, can get up and work in such a high position and be respected. I'm the oldest of four children and the oldest of two other girls, so I was a role model for them as well. I came from a culture where my dad was like, if you want to go to college, you have to fund for yourself. Like, figure it out. I don't have four, I can't do this. So not only did I do it for my children, but I also did it to show that it's possible.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say try every avenue until you find the one that best is suitable for you, because you are meant to do something bigger and better.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Honestly, the biggest challenges are being able to find enough housing and being able to find enough jobs for people. We're in such a bad economy with that stuff. There's not that many jobs out there, and there's definitely not enough housing for everybody. Affordable housing is a major issue.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty is most important to me. I believe in keeping it very real. I don't promise anything that I can't deliver. I'm very honest with people because I can try to help, however, I don't know if something will be possible. I hate having folks' hopes high and not delivering on it. I also learned from my time as a makeup artist that when people look good, they feel good, and when you have the necessities around you that make you feel good, you want to be good. People feel good when they have a good job, good food, and a good place to live. So by helping someone in any aspect, whether it's putting makeup on their face or helping them find jobs, this is all shaping who they are tomorrow.
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