Nikki Patin found her voice through words at the age of seven, and has since put out pieces that range from deeply contemplative self-explorations to honest commentaries on body image, race and gender. She began teaching performance poetry six years ago for Young Chicago Authors and has never looked back. Among other things, she has hosted and organized the teen poetry slams and has taught dozens of workshops at various colleges and universities, such as University of Illinois-Chicago and DePaul University.

She was featured on the fourth season of HBO's Def Poetry Jam and designed, published and distributed a book of poems on body image, entitled 'Phat Girl".' Nikki also has performed with six bands and has even opened for R&B superstar Jill Scott at the Metro.

Nikki also discovered a passion for anti-violence and anti-oppression work through her work with Rape Victim Advocates, where she learned how to educate youth on sexual abuse and assault. This experience led her to her current role as the Young Women's Program Coordinator at Center on Halsted.

DID YOU KNOW? In 2004, Nikki was voted one of Chicago's six most fabulous 20-somethings by Red Eye newspaper.