Hi! I’m Nikkia T. Carter
Microsoft Technology Strategist | Technology and Innovation Enthusiast | Published Author | Tech Community Leader & Thought Leader | Mentor | Philanthropist and Political Advocate
About Me
Born and raised in Baltimore City, a lot family influences and expectations, a bit of happenstance, and my own tenancity has led me to where I am today. My experiences in my young life led me to have a love for technology and science. As the oldest of four siblings, I have a natural inclination to take care of others and as I grew older, this inclination turned into the ability to mentor others and the need to help improve lives. I have mentored and taught mostly adults, formally and informally, on topics such as technology, working in the technology field, professionalism, branding via social media and online presence, how to start a business, and how to partner with Microsoft.
Currently, the Worldwide Modern Workplace Tech Strategy Lead at Microsoft in the One Commercial Partner (OCP) Tech Team. Previous to my current role, served as the Director of Collaboration and Training at C3 Integrated Solutions, Inc. C3 is a Microsoft Partner which holds 3 Gold and 2 Silver competencies, specializing in modernizing business through the use, support, and understanding of Microsoft technology. Previous to my Director role, I was President and CEO of Carter-McGowan Services, LLC, a Microsoft Silver Cloud Partner which I have since sold at the beginning of 2018.
I have a Bachelor’s in Computer Science, a Master’s in IT Project Management, and a CompTIA Certified Technical Trainer. I started in the IT industry in 2001 as an application developer then added in some intranet development. In 2009, I started in SharePoint development and consultancy experience and, in 2012, when I started Carter-McGowan Services, I added in experience in Office 365, Microsoft licensing, and entreprenuership. I am an accomplished speaker and have spoken at many technical and some non-technical events. I have authored two video courses and coauthored one book. I am the President of SharePoint User Group of DC and organize community events as well as serve on the Microsoft’s VFI (Voices for Innovation) taskforce and am a board member of the IAMCP (International Association of Microsoft Channel Partners) DC chapter. I am also a former member of Microsoft's Partner Engagement Board.
To learn more about me, keep exploring my site or reach out directly.
My Skills
No matter the role or project, I have always shown adaptability, creativity, and drive to achieve. Take a look below to learn more about my specific abilities, and feel free to get in touch. You can also connect with me via social media.
Entrepreneurship and Executive Skills
When I decided to start a business in 2012, I did so as a techie with some networking and consultant skills but little else. I have learned so much on the fly and over time on marketing, salesmanship, finances, executive communication, and so much more. I constantly worked to refine those skills and learn more which lead to my business being open for more than 6 years until I decided to sell. Currently, as Worldwide Modern Workplace Tech Lead for Microsoft, the saga continues!
My Professional Experience
I have been in the IT industry since 2001 in many different roles. I have been a government employee, a developer, a government contractor, and a consultant. In 2012, I started Carter-McGowan Services, ran it as the CEO/President, then sold it to C3. I started in March 2019 at Microsoft, a company I have respected and loved for a long time. And the journey continues...
To see more details, click the button below to see my full resume. You can also see my LinkedIn profile.
Worldwide Modern Workplace Tech Lead, Microsoft (OCP Tech Team)
March 2019 - Present
Redmond, WA
Senior SharePoint Business Analyst, Apex Systems
December 2018 - March 2019
Washington, DC
Director of Collaboration and Training, C3 Integrated Solutions
January - December 2018
Arlington, VA
CEO/President, Carter-McGowan Services
March 2012 - August 2018
King George, VA
SharePoint Developer (contract), Experis
December 2012 - March 2013
Richmond, VA
Senior Consultant (SharePoint Developer), Booz Allen Hamilton
August 2010 - November 2012
McLean, VA
SharePoint Developer, Solutions Development Corp
November 2009 - May 2010
King George, VA
Systems Programmer II, CACI-Federal
July 2007 - November 2009
King George, VA
Computer Scientist, Naval Surface Warfare Center
August 2002 - June 2007
Dahlgren, VA
Associate Member of the Technical Staff, CSC
February 2001 - November 2001
King George, VA
My Education
July 2010 - June 2011
Achieved a Master's in IT Project Management via AIU's accelerated program.
September 1995 - January 1999
Attained a Bachelor's in Computer Science.
My Passions and Accomplishments
Political Advocacy
I am a member of Microsoft's Voices for Innovation and believe that helping to shape policy in the US is key to moving our country forward and to helping all people as well as the tech industry thrive. VFI is a Microsoft supported community of technology professionals and everyday Americans who help advance technology, IT job growth, and businesses of all sizes. As empowered citizen advocates, we work together to shape public policies for our 21st century digital economy and society.
Some of the Things People Say About Me
Kristine Schaefer, Microsoft One Commercial Partner Capacity and Enablement -
"Nikkia is a dynamic business owner that supports Microsoft solutions and leads customers to the cloud. I had the opportunity to engage with Nikkia around some strategic opportunities and she was extremely responsive and went beyond to understand the customer landscape and how she could partner to best support the engagement. Her approach is honest and resourceful and highly recommend Carter-McGowen Services."
Riddhi Tuljapurkar, Senior Content Development Editor at Packt Publishing -
"I had the opportunity to work with Nikkia on two video courses authored by her that are based on Office 365. Her experience and expertise on this topic reflects perfectly in these exemplary courses. She is a perfectionist who not only possesses the technical knowledge but also has unique presentation skills. She managed to produce the courses on a short timeline and is an amazing person to work with. I enjoyed every bit of working on the projects with her and would recommend her anyday."
David Tang ,"Microsoft Channel Whisperer" & Partner Co-Sell Enterprise Lead - Education (& Healthcare) Sector -
"I enjoyed Nikkia's session at Microsoft Inspire, "Multi-stream marketing" where she passionately spoke about topics she'd deliberately elicit audience participation... There was a moment she shared how LinkedIn connections can be sent & accepted via the LinkedIn mobile app scanning a QR Code :) that initiated a few people networking practices shared by participants :) I find her approach freely soliciting contributions & insights to be a great example of a multiplier allowing the collective brain power of the group to impact & influence everyone present, not just her... that' truly a Growth Mindsetter in action!"
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Let’s Connect
Feel free to call, tweet, email, connect on LinkedIn, use the contact form, or all of the above! I’d love to hear from you.
(540) 369-6058