Nikki Vardaman graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 2022 with dual degrees in Spanish and Linguistics. A first generation student from Midwest City, Oklahoma, Nikki entered college with hopes of developing her career in education and equipping herself with the tools to provide an equitable and supportive environment for future students. Over time, she became increasingly interested in languages, the power and importance of communication in all aspects of life, and the need to combat linguistic discrimination, especially in academia. Nikki is excited to exercise her passion for equity in education and promote accessibility to literacy and language skills through her Tulsa Service Year Fellowship as Program Coordinator for Gaining Ground Literacy. In her free time, Nikki enjoys playing board games, reading memoirs, and crocheting.