Nikki Sunstrum
Advocate of accountability for platforms and people.
Nikki has more than 20 years of award-winning leadership and strategic expertise, guiding institutions, government organizations, and industry executives to thrive in an ever-evolving communications landscape. As the State of Michigan’s first online engagement coordinator and later as Director of Social Media and Public Engagement at the University of Michigan, she pioneered multichannel strategy, visual storytelling, and online risk mitigation. Recognized and respected across industries, she is a trusted thought leader known for transforming global brands—including three Carnegie Tier 1 research institutions into models of communications excellence, strategic success, and transformative impact.
Before launching her consulting firm, Nikki most recently served as Assistant Vice President for Strategic Communications at Indiana University. In this inaugural role, she provided strategic counsel to the university president and senior leadership, shaping IU’s institutional voice, guiding crisis response, and implementing comprehensive risk mitigation strategies. Her development of new processes, cross-functional initiatives, and engagement opportunities strengthened teams, optimized resources, and enhanced communications across all nine IU campuses.
With deep expertise in public engagement, content development, and online culture, Nikki has led critical discussions on pressing generational issues such as race, well-being, misconduct, and the pandemic while advancing the role of higher education, research, and accessibility. Her ability to navigate complex environments, provide strategic counsel in times of crisis, and position executives for success makes her a trusted advisor to organizations and leaders striving to maintain influence and credibility in an ever-evolving landscape.
A tireless advocate for digital literacy and online accountability, Nikki also serves as faculty at the University of Michigan School of Information. In her instruction, she leverages her extensive professional experience in higher education—as well as her background in government and community advocacy—to equip students and future professionals with the skills to navigate the intersection of communication, leadership, and societal impact, preparing them to drive meaningful change in an increasingly complex world.
Nikki possesses a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from Grand Valley State University and a Master of Education degree from Aquinas College.
Contact Nikki at nikkisunstrum@gmail.com
@NikkiSunstrum.com 