Nikola joined EMSWCD in 2025, where she is honored to engage with Rural Lands programs. Throughout her career, Nikola has focused on connections between conservation, the well-being of rural communities, and the viability of working lands. Nikola’s studies include a bachelor’s degree in ecology and a master’s degree in economic and political development, with an international focus on poverty reduction and conservation. She has worked in the Pacific Northwest for more than 15 years and has conducted climate change vulnerability assessments, designed adaptation strategies, and quantified carbon storage on public and private lands.
Most recently, Nikola worked with the USDA Forest Service in a variety of roles related to ecology, partnership development, ecosystem services, and landowner assistance. She co-led a national team that launched a new initiative within State, Private, and Tribal Forestry, resulting in projects nationwide that support landowners accessing private markets for climate mitigation and forest resilience, and incentives for climate-smart management. The work prioritized underserved and small-acreage landowners, helping them meet land management goals, diversify income, and prevent land conversion.
Having lived in the district for nearly two decades, Nikola is excited to focus on her local landscape. She lives in Southeast Portland with her family where you can find her tinkering in the garden or planning their next backpacking trip.
