iTTU Mentor

Nikki Riojas

Functional Expertise

• Startup/Early Stage Business Tactics and Strategy

• People Management

• Marketing

Industry Expertise

• Arts and Entertainment

• Retail/Wholesale

• Education

Nikki Riojas is the Industrial Liaison Officer for Strategic Partnerships & Innovation at Texas Tech University's Institute for Sustainability & Circular Economy, where she oversees industry engagement for one of only 19 Engineering Research Centers in the United States. In this role, she manages national industry events, leads communication initiatives, and translates cutting-edge research into commercial applications.

With over 15 years of marketing leadership experience spanning higher education, healthcare, technology, and entrepreneurial ventures, Nikki has a proven track record of executing successful marketing strategies and building impactful partnerships. She previously served as Senior Director of Marketing at NRC Health and as Director of Marketing and Communications at Dana College.

An award-winning entrepreneur, Nikki founded and led Made in Texas Co. and Made in Corpus Christi for seven years, and established the Women's Entrepreneur Society of Corpus Christi. She holds an MFA in Graphic Design and has taught graphic design at the university level, bringing a unique blend of creative expertise and strategic marketing acumen to her work.