The Memorial Foundation (TMF), builders of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial on the National Mall, has announced Nicole “Nikki” Tora, of Langhorne, as a member of its third Social Justice Fellows Program cohort.
Nikki is one of 50 emerging leaders nationwide which TMF is engaging through a virtual eight-week curriculum centered around advocacy, community organizing, and public policy. Fellows will learn to build a community of support with like-minded leaders, explore high-impact practices that move communities to activism, and develop an understanding of leadership for long-term sustainable community change.
Raised by Kenyan parents who embarked on their journey to the United States at a young age, Nikki is shaped by the interactions of her American and Kenyan cultural roots.
Currently, Nikki is a student at Duke University where she is studying Public Policy with an emphasis in pre-law.
Her academic journey serves as a bridge between her passion for understanding societal issues and advocating for positive social change. Drawing from personal experiences, Nikki has been inspired to initiate projects that advance human rights globally.
“The road from protest to policy requires a fresh generation of bold leaders,” said Harry E. Johnson Sr., President and CEO of the Memorial Foundation. “Since our inaugural class in 2021, we have discovered Fellows who not only embody the principles of democracy, justice, hope, and love espoused by Dr. King but also serve as beacons of inspiration for others. The Social Justice Fellows program has helped many grow their ability to pursue Dr. King’s vision of equality, and we are thrilled to welcome our third class.”
As a Fellow, Nikki will participate in the Fellows Program’s four key components: a distinguished lecture series, a personal learning journey to focus on a key area of interest and practical application, a capstone project focused on building a movement for a current issue at the local, regional or national level; and concluding with a capstone program in Washington, D.C. for an in-person Congressional component of the Fellowship focusing on social justice and public policy.
At the conclusion of the program, the Fellows will have new experiences and skills they can take back to communities to assist them in creating positive change.
PHOTO CAP: Nikki Tora