Nikki Coleman
Nekelia (Nikki) Coleman is a dynamic leader with a passion for inspiring and nurturing the human spirit while building inclusive partner communities. As a District Manager at Starbucks and Co-Chair of the Southeast Region Black Partner Network, she has spent over a decade developing and leading teams across multiple retail and operational environments. Nikki’s career is marked by a dedication to operational excellence, team development, and creating meaningful experiences for both employees and customers.
Her journey in leadership began with roles at Target Corporation and The Home Depot, where she honed her skills in assets protection, human resources, and operational management. She later brought her expertise to 7-Eleven, influencing P&L performance, guiding multi-unit operations, and coaching franchise operators to achieve sustainable growth and superior customer service standards. At Starbucks, Nikki continues to drive a proven track record of success in operational performance across a market of Starbucks stores while fostering a culture of professional development, inclusivity, collaboration, and engagement.
Nikki’s professional achievements are matched by her commitment to community impact. Through her co-leadership in the Black Partner Network and support of initiatives like The Laundry Project, she demonstrates the power of servant leadership and giving back. She emphasizes the importance of balance, encouraging teams to dedicate time to meaningful work, recovery, and personal passions to achieve both high performance and wellbeing.
Holding a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Criminology from Metropolitan State University of Denver, Nikki combines her academic foundation with practical experience to lead with intention, clarity, and results.
Outside of work, Nikki is committed to fostering joy and purpose in her life and the lives of those around her, ensuring that every day includes opportunities for growth, connection, and impact.
• Ken Blanchard on Servant Leadership
• Metropolitan State University of Denver - BS
• University of Phoenix - MBA
• Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.,
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a 15-year leadership journey that began in Target stores and led to my role as a district manager at 7-Eleven. For me, it has always been about one thing: people. My philosophy that “community is everything” was shaped by the influential women in my life—my mother, who was both my first boss and my first role model—and honed during my early career at a juvenile assessment center. That foundational experience cemented my calling to serve the underserved. Today, as a pivotal community lead with strong ties to several nonprofit and government organizations I believe my success is rooted in an unwavering commitment to self-growth and learning something new every day.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The “Title” of a leader doesn’t necessarily mean qualified, as formal accredited LEADERSHIP training lacks in most organizations. Mitigate allowing your success, skills, experience or education to become devalued by a “Title” or better defined as, imposters within your field. Leaders are chosen and not always through a vetted process or source. Be able to decipher and use this awareness to earn your “Title”.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Advice I’d give to young women entering any industry is to “Trust your gut, but follow it with logic. Logic always matters, but your intuition is telling you something—listen to it.”
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Outside of work, I value experiences that keep me grounded and energized. I love to go hiking in my free time, and I enjoy staying informed by reading the Harvard Business Journal, Forbes Magazine, and staying current with political events impacting our socioeconomic climate.