We recently had the chance to connect with Nicole “NeeKKo” Lindsey and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Nicole “NeeKKo”, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
That we only give out scholarships to High School seniors and college undergraduates.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Nicole “NeeKKo” Lindsey, a dynamic force in media, entertainment, and community empowerment. A first-generation college graduate from Los Angeles, CA, I hold a bachelor’s degree in Communications from UC Santa Barbara. Known for my work as a host, producer, and “entertainer with a purpose,” I’ve built a powerful brand that goes far beyond the spotlight—one rooted in service, mentorship, and education.
At the heart of my mission is my nonprofit organization, Education Is Key, a 501(c)(3) founded in 2019. Education Is Key provides scholarships, mentorship programs, and community-based initiatives that support underserved youth, primarily in Los Angeles, with plans to expand nationally.
Education Is Key empowers youth through:
-Scholarships for college, trade schools, and certification programs
-Mentorship programs like World Changers and Wholesome Expression Is Key, covering topics from financial literacy and mental health to social media and self-love
-Community events, such as the annual “We Outside” health and wellness festival that offers a safe space for the community to enjoy with their families and get access to resources and support along with outside fun.
-School tours and curriculums promoting academic engagement, healthy lifestyles, and personal development
These initiatives are built around six pillars of success: Wealth, Enterprise, Knowledge, Influence, Wellbeing, and Positivity, offering youth a holistic approach to success in life—not just academics.
What sets me apart is my authenticity and relatability. I do just talk about change—I am the change. Drawing from my own upbringing in underserved communities, I deeply understands the barriers many youth face and have structured my programs to directly address those obstacles.
My ability to merge entertainment with impact, coupled with my motto, “Education goes beyond the classroom,” resonates throughout every campaign, mentorship session, and community event I lead.
I often emphasizes:
“Whether you learn from a classroom, library, the internet, a mentor, or from life—just never stop learning.”
I am actively scaling Education Is Key with the intention of opening a branch in Atlanta, forming new partnerships with educational and civic organizations like The Knowlej Foundation, and continuing to build a team of women leaders who reflect the communities they serve.
I am also curating new quarterly enrichment programs in arts, entrepreneurship, culinary training, and civic advocacy, alongside expansion of my mentorship platforms from co-ed mentorship to even all girls and boys mentorship program opportunities as well.
I represent what happens when vision, culture, and purpose meet. Through my platform, I am not only opening doors for students but also redefining what access and opportunity look like for communities too often left behind.
My organization is not just providing scholarships—it’s creating a movement, a message, and a model for grassroots change led by and for the people it serves.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling powerful is being elected as the school wide class president when I was in the 5th grade.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
The defining wounds of my life has been coming from a background of low income, single parent household, and homelessness. These factors had created a broke mentality for me to where no matter if I had money or not, I would live as if I was broke. I would not fully invest in myself or endeavors because I feared going broke and experiencing some of those defining wounds again whether that be going broke or homeless and not being able to provide for myself. I’ve missed out on life experiences that I could have enjoyed and created lasting memories had I not been afraid to spend my money and only spend my money on bills. I’d cheat myself with enjoying luxuries that I could afford because of my broke mentality and fear of not having money or not being able to afford to take care of myself.
I’ve healed from these wounds by intentionally working on my mindset and changing my broke mentality by speaking positivity and abundance over my life and spending my money on luxuries to enjoy like travel/vacation, self care, investing in items that supports and/or enhances my endeavors instead of being cheap and trying to shortcut expenses. Ever since I stopped thinking with a poor mindset and being fearful of spending my money, I’ve witnessed myself be able to enjoy life and the fruits of my labor more while not going broke like I used to think I would.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
absolutely. I value authenticity and realness and while knowing I’ve always wanted to be an entertainer and public figure, I also knew I wanted to always be myself along the journey. Knowing that entertainment often consists of “faking” in order to fit in or be accepted, I knew that I’d intend on making a name for myself as a public figure by simply being myself and following the beat to my own drum. I believe there’s real power in being okay with being yourself no matter if you’re liked and accepted or not because when you’re able to do that, that also speaks to one’s confidence and knowledge of self to not allow any outside thoughts/opinions sway you from still being your authentic self. This also is powerful especially in a day and age where people are seeking validation and approval from others, which often times can comes with doing something or acting a certain that you’d think others would like rather than what you yourself likes.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
My bright spirit and good heart. I am genuinely a kind, understanding, patient, and forgiving person that always looks at life as a cup half full. Always finding the bright side to help keep a positive mindset while navigating through life’s inevitable ups and downs and not allowing anything to turn me cold or dark.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.eduiskey.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourgirlneekko?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-neekko-lindsey-78436368?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
Image Credits
Nice Wit Tha Lenz, Black Coffee Visuals, Bryana Nicole
