Volunteer Work and Activities

Fashion for Paws (F4P) is a high caliber program that infuses the nation’s capital with cutting- edge high fashion and luxury lifestyle brand events, drawing an extraordinary crowd of VIP’s, fashion and animal lovers alike, all benefiting the Washington Humane Society.

Nikki has participated as a "model" for Fashion for Paws for the past 3 years. So far, she has personally raised more than $14,000 for the homeless animals of the D.C. area. Fashion for Paws has raised a total of $976,500 in four years. In addition to being a fundraising model, Nikki is also on the executive committee.

Click here to read more about Fashion for Paws.
Click here to see pictures from the event.

The Washington Humane Society (WHS), the only Congressionally-chartered animal welfare agency in the United States, has been the area’s leading voice for animals since 1870. As the only open-access shelter in the Nation’s Capital, the Washington Humane Society provides comfort and care to nearly 30,000 animals each year through its broad range of programs and services including sheltering, adoption, spay and neuter, CatNiPP, Humane Law Enforcement, lost and found, human–animal therapy programs and Humane Education

Other than the news, helping animals is Nikki's other passion in life. In addition to her work with Fashion for Paws to benefit the Humane Society, Nikki also volunteers her time at the shelter and other events in both Washington, D.C. and Hagerstown.

ALS Association, Nikki has been active with the ALS Association for years. Her grandfather, Doyle Burdine passed away from ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. . Since then, her family has done many fundraisers in hopes to find a cure.

Nikki has participated in numerous "Walk to D'Feat ALS" in her hometown of Kingsport, TN as well as the Western Maryland and Washington, D.C. area. Nikki will also be the emcee of the 2010 Western Maryland ALS Walk.

Click here to learn more about ALS.

The Alzheimer’s Association, today a multimillion-dollar organization, has been the catalyst and leader for a generation of advancements in Alzheimer research and care. Our organization’s achievements and progress in the field have given thousands of people a better quality of life and brought hope for millions more.

Nikki has emceed numerous events for the Greater Maryland Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association including the "Dancing Stars of Frederick" "Forget-Me-Not-Gala" where more than $38,000 was raised.

Click here to learn more about the Dancing Stars of Frederick.
Click here to learn more about the Alzheimer's Association of Maryland.

The Red Cross, a humanitarian organization led by volunteers and guided by its Congressional Charter and the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross Movement, will provide relief to victims of disaster and help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. For nearly a century, the Washington County Chapter has worked diligently to fulfill that mission on behalf of residents of Washington County.

Nikki volunteers with Washington County's Red Cross chapter by chairing a committee for their Heroes Campaign. Nikki is also on the committee for the "Women of Distinction." Women of Distinction is an opportunity to celebrate outstanding women community leaders in Washington County, Maryland. The event is sponsored by the American Red Cross in partnership with Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital.

Click here to learn more about the Red Cross of Washington County.

Tourette Syndrome Association, is the only national voluntary non-profit membership organization in this field. Our mission is to identify the cause of, find the cure for and control the effects of Tourette Syndrome. We offer resources and referrals to help people and their families cope with the problems that occur with TS. We raise public awareness and counter media stereotypes about TS.

Nikki was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome when she was 12 years old. She knows how difficult life can be for someone with Tourette Syndrome, which is why she is active with the TSA to help children and teenagers suffering from the disorder. Nikki speaks on panels for the TSA Conferences as well as other events.

Click here to learn more about Tourette Syndrome.

Radio and Television Digital News Association (RTDNA), is the world's largest professional organization exclusively serving the electronic news profession, consisting of more than 3,000 news directors, news associates, educators and students. Founded as a grassroots organization in 1946, the association is dedicated to setting standards for newsgathering and reporting. Although news techniques and technologies are constantly changing, RTNDA's commitment to encouraging excellence in the electronic journalism industry remains the same.

Nikki is both a member of RTDNA and a contributor. Nikki writes a bi-monthly column for RTDNA.org titled, "From the Anchor Chair." She blogs about social media, the news and connecting with viewers. Nikki attended the 2010 RTDNA Convention in Las Vegas as a contributor. She reported, shot video and blogged from the convention.

Click here to learn more about RTDNA.

Chi Omega Founded in 1895, Chi Omega is the largest women's fraternal organization in the world with more than 290,000 initiates and 171 collegiate chapters. Over the years, Chi Omega has nurtured its members, one woman at a time, with unique opportunities in leadership, scholarship and lifelong friendship - striving to provide each Sister with a commitment to personal integrity, excellence in academic and intellectual pursuits, intergenerational participation, community service, leadership opportunities and social enrichment.

Nikki was initiated into Chi Omega at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Pi Chapter.

Click here to learn more about Chi Omega.

Investigation Discovery, The Discovery Channel

Nikki appeared on an episode of "Disappeared" titled, "The Long Drive Home." She was asked to contribute to the show after her reporting on the disappearance of Michelle McMullen.

Click here to see the trailer.