Women Who Lead Online Feature | Nikki Bowen

Meet Nikki Bowen

“The success of every woman should be the inspiration to another. We should raise each other up. Make sure you’re very courageous: be strong, be extremely kind, and above all be humble.” – Serena Williams

Who or what has influenced you as a leader?

My mother has taught me to be strong and proud.  She has been a token of love, strength, kindness, wisdom, and sacrifice.  She listens, analyzes, plans, and executes her actions.  Everyday I thank her for who she is.

What one book would you recommend to a young woman beginning her leadership journey? Why?

The one book that I would recommend is Women Who Run with the Wolves - by Clarissa Pinkola Estes.

Here is a quote from the book to start out with, "When we assert intuition, we are therefore like the starry night: we gaze at the world through a thousand eyes.".  The book shares stories to awaken female self-awareness and reclaim our inner wild woman.  It encourages readers to stay true to oneself in the face of adversity.  The author explores how wolves and women share a psychic bond in their fierceness, grace and devotion to each other and the community.  The symbols in each of her stories are called on to help restore women's neglected intuitive and instinctive abilities.  It is an excellent adventure to read this book and gain a new understanding of life and the world around us.  It allows us to engage with each other in confidence and belief in our decisions.  

In your opinion, what are three barriers or challenges women in leadership are still facing today?

Women still face three main barriers in leadership.  First, I think men are still viewed as the more powerful figure.  Second, self-confidence is still disrupted in some women who don't feel like they have a voice in leadership.  Third, dealing with negative thoughts and how others may perceive them could get in the way of leadership.

What is your "why"?

My why is to lead others to victory.  I believe in empowering others to believe in oneself and stand up for what is right.  I encourage everyone to find their voice in speaking up and doing the right thing, while still being humble.  Leadership creates the opportunity for positive change and we have the ability to make that happen.  It is a blessing.

Please share your WORDS OF GRATITUDE for women who have come before you. 

My words of gratitude for those who have come before me are thank you!  Thank you for paving the road to success and opening the doors to a life of freedom and perseverance.

Please share your WORDS OF WISDOM for those young women who will come behind you.

 My words of wisdom to those who will follow in my path are to believe in yourself and have the confidence to know that you will succeed if you try.  Use your voice to speak up for what is right, while remaining kind and humble.

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About Nikki Bowen

Nikki Bowen is a Manager of Customer Experience at Macy's in Tukwila, WA.  She earned a Masters Degree in Public and Global Health from the University of South Florida in 2010.  Her family, including her animals, and the community have always been the most important parts of Nikki's life.

Her previous career as a social worker led to many community outreach events that she participated in.  She was honored to be a Family Team Facilitator in 2004 with the Florida Department of Children and Families, during the set-up of the program.  

Wherever Nikki is, she teaches that leadership, perseverance, commitment, dedication, and open and honest communication will lead you to achieving your dreams.  She says that we all have a voice that we can humbly use to make a difference in the world.

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