Name: Nikki Reiss
Hometown: Sidney, Ohio
Place of Work: Carpenter Lipps & Leland
Tenure at Current Place of Work: just over 10 years
OWIG Involvement: member for 2 years, regular event attendee prior to that
After over a decade at the same place of employment, Nikki still starts every day feeling fortunate to be doing a job she loves. Her position with the law firm of Carpenter Lipps & Leland allows her to engage on issues that align well with her personal beliefs while influencing policy to change people’s lives for the better.
She’s been involved in some very exciting fights over the course of her career, including planning a rally around Medicaid access for thousands of people in just one week, twice. If anyone asks, she clarified that this skill was not taught in any of her law school classes.
One of her favorite aspects of what she does is being a part of the collegial community of Cap Square, which includes women she praises as “strong, opinionated, ethical and hardworking.” The representation from many generations also allows for a unique sharing of wisdom that she feels can’t be found in the corporate world.
Outside of work, Nikki is an avid fan of Star Wars and baseball. She also serves as the Vice President of Dress for Success and was instrumental in helping OWIG host a fundraiser for the professional support organization last year. The Board of Trustees for Alvis, a nonprofit serving recently incarcerated individuals and those with developmental disabilities, is also lucky to have her as its Vice President.
Not surprisingly, the altruism inherent in her community service aligns well with her personal motto for 2018: “When possible, be kind. It is always possible.”