Nik Harris (they/them) is a queer, gender non-conforming attorney, activist, and nationally recognized speaker. A native of Tallahassee, Florida, Nik earned their undergraduate degree in Political Science from Florida A&M University and their law degree from Florida State University. They are licensed to practice law in both Florida and Washington, D.C.
Nik currently serves as Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and Diversity Equity Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB) at the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization in the United States. They previously made history as the first LGBTQ+ Director appointed to a member of the Florida Cabinet, serving under Commissioner Nikki Fried at the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Nik’s legal career includes roles as Senior Attorney for the Florida Department of Transportation, Prosecutor for the Florida Department of Health, and Assistant Public Defender in Florida’s 2nd Judicial Circuit.
Nik is a certified DEI facilitator through Cornell University and an Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) specialist. They have led impactful DEI training sessions for organizations across the country, including the NAACP, General Mills, and the American Bar Association.
Nik was the first Black woman elected as Vice-Chair of HRC’s National Board of Governors and currently serves on the boards of TranInclusive Group and the Broward State Attorney’s Advisory Council. One of their proudest achievements is co-founding Thou Art Woman, an open mic and arts event series uplifting LGBTQ+ women and allies, alongside their close friend and fellow attorney, G Wright.
In 2022, Nik also co-founded BLINC (Black LGBTQ+ Liberation, Inc.), a nonprofit rooted in South Florida that uplifts and enriches the lives of LGBTQ+ people of color through advocacy, art, and community engagement.
Nik’s contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including:
- 2025 City of Atlanta Mayor’s Community Advocate Award
- 2025 Curve Power List
- 2025 McDonald’s and Out Magazine National Spotlight Recipient
- 2025 SunServe Jason Jenkins Tomorrow’s Legacy Award
- 2023 Our Fund Commitment to a Cause Award
- 2022 Big of the Year for Broward County through Big Brothers Big Sisters
- 2021 Harvey Milk Foundation Diversity Honors Award
- 2020 LGBTQ Leadership Award from the Florida Diversity Council
- 2019 Women Breaking the Glass Ceiling Award from Ruth’s List Florida
An award-winning Toastmaster and a sought-after national speaker, Nik continues to use their platform to champion equity, resilience, and representation. Through every role, Nik brings their signature mix of grit, grace, and grounded leadership to create space for those historically left out of the conversation.