As students head back to school this year, we wanted to highlight Nichole (Nikki) Yunk Todd, a current board member who started her career with us as the Director of Youth Affairs. We had the privilege of sitting down with Nikki to ask her about how her experience as a young civil rights and liberties leader has shaped her life and career.
Can you tell us your ACLU story?
When I began my career at the ACLU of Wisconsin, I had the privilege of working with young people for five years and seeing them develop their passion for civil liberties. In 2005, I moved to Washington, D.C., to work in the ACLU Washington Legislative Office.
Our affiliate’s innovative and inclusive youth engagement work was recognized nationally. The young people instrumental to these collective achievements taught me to be fearless and unapologetic when telling the truth and working for social progress. Together, we created original programs like Youth Government Day, The Other America Tour, and the Milwaukee Teen Tribunal. We organized major events at UW Law School and other university and technical college campuses across the state. We established two seats on the board of directors that were reserved for high school and college students. As a board member for several years, I have been fortunate to come full circle and have the opportunity to support the work of our incredible ACLU of Wisconsin staff.
What message do you have for participants in the ACLU youth education program? What would you encourage them to do as they apply their education to the real world?
I would tell them, you are already living in the real world because it is real to you. Your unique life experiences have given you a perspective no one else has. Your involvement in anything you do should matter because of you. Don’t be afraid to address larger issues like rules, policies, and processes if you feel they can be improved – these can often be barriers to inclusion. As you identify and work toward your goals, your path might not be linear but try not to let that throw you off your course. Sometimes, taking a detour is exactly what you need.
Aside from your relationship with the ACLU-WI as a board member and your involvement with the youth program, tell us how the ACLU and concepts of civil rights and liberties inspire everyday life.
When I started working for the ACLU of Wisconsin, I recall my first boss, Chris Ahmuty, giving me the seminal book about the ACLU’s history, Defending Everybody. He advised me to read it, and I think I finished it the same day. Fighting for freedom became part of my identity– or maybe it always had been.
When I was growing up, I had a poster on my bedroom door that said, "Stand Up for What is Right, Even if You’re Standing Alone." I knew engaging in this work would make many people mad, but that’s okay because it leads to positive change. I am grateful to see the world through a civil liberties lens, as it showed me that I have a responsibility to work for racial justice and equity in my personal and professional lives.
As we approach the primary election, what would you like to see from the ACLU Youth Programming and young voters in Wisconsin in general?
I hope they understand their immense power. Almost every industry profits directly from young people. Their influence on pop culture is unmatched by any other demographic. Young people should demand it if all of this isn’t enough for adults to cede power. Adults often treat young people as subjects instead of asking them to speak for themselves. Young people should not be intimidated about asking questions that adults might think are uncomfortable, especially when it comes to decisions that disproportionately affect them now and in the future. And when they finally have the ability to vote, they celebrate every time they walk into their polling place and participate in democracy.
Role models and mentors are critical to shaping young minds. Who was it for you that sparked your passion for protecting and expanding civil rights and liberties?
Many people have inspired me, but one clearly stands out. When I was new to my position in 2000, there was a small advisory board in place for the affiliate's youth-focused civil liberties work, and one of the members was City of Milwaukee Municipal Court Judge James A. Gramling, Jr. (now retired). Judge Gramling became a mentor and role model to me – he was always available to provide guidance, took an analytical approach to every situation, and was consistently supportive. This man, who was respected across the state for his storied judicial career, introduced me to so many important people as though I was his peer. I have learned my passion for civil liberties and civil rights and unshakable ethics from Judge Gramling. Years later, I am grateful to also call him my friend.
As you’ve progressed through your career in the nonprofit and public sector and become a leader in the community, what advice would you like to impart to current and future youth leaders?
We need people in all roles to achieve progress. I have chosen to stay behind the scenes and ensure that the right people have access to opportunities and the support they need as long as they are willing to work hard. We need leaders, but most work gets done outside of the spotlight. Be genuine. Young people have an uncanny ability to read people when they are being fake, and somehow, that changes when people get older. I hope they never lose their authenticity. Lastly, stay humble. Your title and status do not determine your value.
