Nikki Jimenez has long had a passion for activities and education, and her combination of passions is now an integral part of the Colorado High School Activities Association staff.
Jimenez was hired in late June as the new executive assistant to assistant commissioner Rashaan Davis, who oversees all activities at CHSAA. With a diverse background that includes many titles from high school band member to Navy veteran to one-one-one tutor, Jimenez brings a lot to the table and figures to be a key component in CHSAA’s mission to further elevate high school activities in Colorado.
“I’m definitely in the right area for me,” Jimenez said. “I’m excited to get into the flow and I’m excited for the school year. I really love to help so if anyone needs help with anything, I’m always happy to help and I’m looking forward to that chance. I’m super excited to work with Rashaan and help promote activities because we’ve heard from a lot of the students that one thing they really want to receive recognition equal to the sports.
“Working towards that common goal is really exciting.”
Jimenez has an associate’s degree in English, which she earned simultaneously with her high school graduation, and master’s degree, also in English, as well as a minor in anthropology. The 29-year-old animal lover was a tutor for nearly four years following her time in the Navy, teaching mostly writing but also other subjects like math and science.
“I wanted to take a step away from being one-on-one in academics after I was a tutor for a really long time,” Jimenez said. “I felt like this was a really great way to become school adjacent – to still be a part of their happiness and their success without having to be right up front.”
Jimenez joined the CHSAA team on July 5 and immediately helped facilitate one of the Association’s largest activities events – the 2022 Student Leadership Summer Conference. Right at home in the high school activities realm already after less than a month on the job, Jimenez has already made in impression at the office, especially with Davis, CHSAA’s first-ever assistant commissioner solely focusing on activities.
“Nikki has already proven to be an amazing hire,” Davis said. “Whether it is some of our general responsibilities or our conversations around the vision of high school activities, Nikki is all in on helping to grow our footprint in Colorado schools. It’s also noteworthy that she has a personal story associated with high school activities because I know that her passion for activity involvement will help us as we move forward.
“I look forward to introducing Nikki at the All-School Summit and connecting her with our membership.”