Shenika Harris (Nik)

Shenika "Nik" Harris has a diverse work experience spanning multiple positions and organizations.

From 2023 to the present, they have been serving as the Vice President of Strategic Outreach & Engagement at the Human Rights Campaign. Prior to this role, they held the position of Director of Strategic Outreach and Engagement from 2021 to 2023 at the same organization.

From 2019 to 2021, Harris worked as the LGBTQ Consumer Advocate at the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, making history as the first ever statewide LGBTQ official appointed as a member of the Florida Cabinet. In this role, they spearheaded educational and outreach initiatives, acted as a liaison between the LGBTQ community and the state, and addressed consumer issues related to fraud and discrimination.

In 2020, Harris participated in the Victory Empowerment Fellowship program at the LGBTQ Victory Institute, which focused on developing campaign skills and policy-making power for LGBTQ leaders of color and/or transgender leaders.

Prior to that, they served as the Beyond the Bridge Fellow at A Wider Bridge in 2019, where they likely worked on LGBTQ advocacy initiatives.

Harris gained extensive legal experience through various roles at the Florida Department of Transportation and the Florida Department of Health. At the Department of Transportation, they held the positions of Senior Attorney and Assistant General Counsel / Claims Administration Director, where they dealt with contract review, negotiation, and resolution of claims. At the Department of Health, they worked as an Assistant General Counsel, handling legal matters related to nursing and clinical laboratory personnel.

Shenika "Nik" began their career as an Assistant Public Defender at the Public Defender's Office of the 2nd Judicial Circuit from 2004 to 2006.

Throughout their career, Harris has demonstrated a commitment to LGBTQ rights, consumer advocacy, and legal expertise.

Shenika "Nik" Harris began their education at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, where they pursued a Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.) degree in Political Science/Public Administration. Shenika "Nik" attended the university from 1996 to 2001. Following their undergraduate studies, they enrolled in the Florida State University College of Law, where they obtained a Doctor of Law (J.D.) degree between 2001 and 2004.

In 2016, Harris participated in The Florida Bar's Leadership Academy and completed the program, earning a certificate of completion in Law. Shenika "Nik" furthered their education in 2020 by attending Cornell University, where they pursued a Diversity & Inclusion Certification, specializing in the field of Diversity & Inclusion. This program took place from 2020 to 2021.

Overall, Harris has a diverse educational background, ranging from undergraduate studies in Political Science/Public Administration to a law degree. Shenika "Nik" has also shown a commitment to professional development by obtaining a Leadership Academy Fellowship and pursuing a certification in Diversity & Inclusion.