We had the good fortune of connecting with Nikki Boyd and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nikki, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I’m originally from Memphis, Tennessee, though I’ve lived here for nearly a decade and raised my kids in this community.

My background is deeply rooted in healthcare; I come from a long line of nurses and nursing assistants. My grandmother, a retired registered nurse, always shared how rewarding her career was and maintained a wonderful work-life balance. My mom has been a nursing assistant for over 20 years, and several other family members are nurses or nurse practitioners.

Medicine truly runs in our family—my daughter, who co-owns the school with me, is working toward a medical degree, and my other daughter is studying sonography. Growing up with such strong examples, following in their footsteps felt natural, and it’s a legacy I’m proud to continue.

What should our readers know about your business?
Our mission is to help single parents and low-income individuals break into the medical field. To support our students, we offer free childcare while they attend class. We provide a variety of entry-level programs and certifications that allow students to begin their healthcare careers. Over the years, we’ve built strong relationships within our local community, but it hasn’t always been easy. Earning the trust and respect of both our students and neighboring businesses has been a priority. We take pride in being honest, approachable, and down-to-earth, which helps our students feel comfortable and supported. Many of them say that coming to class feels like being part of a family. Our purpose is to serve our community, share knowledge, and create opportunities for those who need it most. This is what drives us, and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When friends and family come to visit, I make sure to take them hiking. I enjoy taking them to eat some fry bread and some authentic Mexican food. I also like to take them to any professional sports games or concerts.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My daughter, Karma Liburd, is the co-owner of the school, and her persistence is the reason we were able to make this dream a reality. At just 16 and still a high school senior, she took on the huge task of completing the application and meeting with consultants to get us started. Driven by her desire to give back to the community—and inspired by the need for more CNAs we kept hearing about at the hospital—she saw an opportunity to make a difference. I was immediately on board, thrilled not only to teach but to work alongside my daughter on this shared vision. She may not realize just how proud I am of her or how much it means to build this business together.

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Image Credits
Pics were taken by Maricopa Career Institute.

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