Nataisia Nicole is an entrepreneur, a mother, and a community advocate. She is a bold communicator who brings resourcefulness and inspiration to her relationships and pursuits. Her wisdom and resilience have guided her through significant hardship as a single mom and have created her vision for empowerment that she shares with the community through her new company called N’BRACE.
Nataisia Nicole
Self-Advocacy and Family Partnerships
Nataisia and her family participate in Simpson’s Family Housing Program, the agency’s largest program serving 300 families with 650 children annually. Our advocates partner with families and provide housing, support, and educational resources that complement the unique strengths and needs of parents and their children. Simpson helps people overcome systemic inequities that perpetuate a lack of access to safe and affordable housing for individuals who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC).
“I’ve been with Simpson for over 10 years,” says Nataisia. “With stable housing, I was able to go back to school and get an education while staying home with my kids. With my associate degree, I’ve been able to work in the human services field. I also work additional jobs to earn supplemental income to support my family.”
Nataisia’s life is centered on her family, and as a single parent, she finds creative ways to nurture the needs and strengths of her six children ages two through 19.
“During the pandemic, I’ve been a teacher for my kids at all of their different ages. I’m helping my oldest daughter navigate her life as a young adult. I’m a teacher for three of my children who attend virtual classes in three different schools — elementary, middle, and high school. I help them with their homework. I teach and play with my two-year-old twins. They are learning so much,” she says.
Working with Family Advocate Shae Roberts, Nataisia set goals for homeownership, created a budget that is allowing her to save for the future, and explored flexible employment options.
“Nataisia is resourceful and passionate,” says Shae. “She advocates well for herself — stating her needs and asking for feedback. She’s been an inspiration for me. I think we’ve learned a lot from each other. It’s exciting to see how strength in relationships can cultivate possibilities.”
Shae Roberts, Nataisia Nicole, and Janelle Leppa
The Launch of N’BRACE
In the wake of George Floyd’s murder at the hands of Minneapolis police, Nataisia reflected on the pain and devastation she observed in her community and envisioned a way to create meaningful change:
“I saw so much. Riots. Starvation of resources. Lack of opportunity. Tension. I decided there was a better way for me to support people — my family and my community. I love getting to know people and helping them to where they want to be. I realized that I could grow and give back. As a single mother, as a Black woman, in a community that looks like me, why not do good for myself, my family, my community, and anyone I encounter who needs empowerment?”
Nataisia decided to start her own business called N’BRACE. “That’s N for Nataisia because it’s unique to me. The ‘BRACE is about my mission to help people embrace exactly who they are — their authentic selves — and where they are in their lives at this moment. It’s about embracing the change you want to become,” she says.
With dignity and compassion, Nataisia shares a message of empowerment with individuals experiencing racial injustice and homelessness:
“If you’re sleeping in a shelter or outside, it takes a lot of strength to make it through those 24 hours, feeling alive and well —never giving up. Be inspired by your own story. Get ready. There’s always an inspiring moment, memory, or personal story of triumph. Hold onto those memories, and tell yourself, ‘you rocked that!’ Never give up on your dreams. Anything is possible, if you believe it.”
With her business plan designed, Nataisia reached out to local nonprofit organizations with her vision. Her efforts have resulted in a full schedule of speaking engagements, coaching sessions with individuals, and staff training workshops with human services agencies — including Simpson Housing Services. Through discussion and activities, she focuses on interpersonal communication, personal empowerment, goal setting, and dismantling systemic racism.
The hands of Nataisia Nicole and her children
A Powerful Voice for Racial Equity
Nataisia honors her strengths and life experiences and how they have equipped her to play a valuable role in empowering BIPOC individuals and communities.
“I am uniquely positioned to do this work because I have had to embrace every challenge that I have had. There were so many setbacks. I put my training into practice in my own life every day. My lived experience and personal empowerment have helped me and my family to where we are today,” she says.
Simpson’s Director of Family and Youth Housing Janelle Leppa shares her admiration for Nataisia and her work: “Nataisia is a true advocate. She connects with agencies to work toward racial equity. She is determined to use her extraordinary gifts and share resources to benefit families, community members, and the world. She has the confidence, commitment, and perspective — she knows what it takes — to partner with people and help them reach their goals.”
As Nataisia prepares to exit the program, she is investing time in helping Simpson better serve participants. She joins Simpson staff in their continued anti-racist work, providing honest feedback about improving housing program processes and enhancing staff partnerships with families who are BIPOC.
“It’s groundbreaking that Simpson invites people participating in its programs the opportunity to offer training and input that improve the agency’s work. They are listening and taking away the power dynamics, allowing participants to partner with the agency in a completely different way. Women, Black people, people of all backgrounds need a seat at the table. In the face of racial disparities, Simpson is showing dignity and taking down barriers,” says Nataisia.
Nataisia expresses gratitude for Simpson Housing Services staff in her journey of new possibilities:
“I navigate my life as a mother with a full-time career with autonomy and flexibility. I am doing what I love, and Simpson backed me 100%. I talked to Janelle about starting my business. She could see the spark. She could see that this is possible. Janelle and Shae have supported me in my journey. They believe in me.” (continued from the cover) “I navigate my life as a mot