National Disability Institute (NDI) is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to building a better economic future for people with disabilities.
NDI is the first national organization committed exclusively to championing economic empowerment, financial education, asset development and financial stability for all persons with disabilities. NDI affects change through public education, policy development, training, technical assistance and innovative initiatives. Visit nationaldisabilityinstitute.org.
Meet Our Staff
Nikki Powis, Director, Small Business Programs
Nikki Powis brings over 30 years of experience managing programs to advance economic opportunities for underrepresented and underserved populations at the local, regional and statewide level. Nikki has worked as an educator and coordinator of Workforce Programs to include education and expansion of small business ownership and has experience developing curriculum for entrepreneurship and small business development.
npowis@ndi-inc.org
Nikki Powis brings over 30 years of experience managing programs to advance economic opportunities for underrepresented and underserved populations at the local, regional and statewide level. Nikki has worked as an educator and coordinator of Workforce Programs to include education and expansion of small business ownership and has experience developing curriculum for entrepreneurship and small business development.
npowis@ndi-inc.org
Ruth Chavez, Business Development Counselor
Ruth Chavez is the Business Development Counselor for NDI’s Small Business Programs. She previously worked as a bilingual business consultant and training coordinator for the Maryland Small Business Development Center at the University of Maryland, College Park. In her previous role, she provided technical assistance and relevant business training and events for small businesses throughout the state of Maryland who were impacted by COVID-19. Ruth has over 10 years of experience in working with small businesses with a focus on underserved communities of color and low-income. She also has six years of experience in tax preparation. She worked as a volunteer to provide financial literacy at IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites to provide free tax preparation to low-income and senior communities. Ruth is an entrepreneur herself, always seeking new opportunities with purpose and creativity.
rchavez@ndi-inc.org
Ruth Chavez is the Business Development Counselor for NDI’s Small Business Programs. She previously worked as a bilingual business consultant and training coordinator for the Maryland Small Business Development Center at the University of Maryland, College Park. In her previous role, she provided technical assistance and relevant business training and events for small businesses throughout the state of Maryland who were impacted by COVID-19. Ruth has over 10 years of experience in working with small businesses with a focus on underserved communities of color and low-income. She also has six years of experience in tax preparation. She worked as a volunteer to provide financial literacy at IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites to provide free tax preparation to low-income and senior communities. Ruth is an entrepreneur herself, always seeking new opportunities with purpose and creativity.
rchavez@ndi-inc.org
Caroline Bolas, Small Business Specialist
Caroline Bolas is the Small Business Specialist at NDI. Caroline has had a varied career, including being a small business owner, a nonprofit consultant, and a direct service provider to people with disabilities. She has extensive project management, training, and curriculum development experience. Prior to joining NDI, most recently Caroline served as the Maryland State SOAR Lead, providing technical assistance to the SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery program. Caroline holds a master’s degree in Occupational Psychology from London Guildhall University and a master’s degree in Social Policy and Social Work from the London School of Economics. Outside of work, Caroline enjoys hiking, photography and nature walks.
cbolas@ndi-inc.org
Caroline Bolas is the Small Business Specialist at NDI. Caroline has had a varied career, including being a small business owner, a nonprofit consultant, and a direct service provider to people with disabilities. She has extensive project management, training, and curriculum development experience. Prior to joining NDI, most recently Caroline served as the Maryland State SOAR Lead, providing technical assistance to the SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery program. Caroline holds a master’s degree in Occupational Psychology from London Guildhall University and a master’s degree in Social Policy and Social Work from the London School of Economics. Outside of work, Caroline enjoys hiking, photography and nature walks.
cbolas@ndi-inc.org
Alexis Jones, Project Coordinator
Alexis (Lexi) Jones is the Project Coordinator for the Small Business Team. She is a Licensed Social Worker with 14 years of experience working with vulnerable and underserved populations. Lexi previously worked overseeing the intake process and enrichment programs for a regional organization that provided direct services to people who are blind or visually impaired. She has also served as the Advocacy Department Head for an organization serving crime victims and Resident Services Coordinator for an Independent Living Community serving seniors and adults with disabilities. Lexi holds a master’s degree in Social Work from Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She is an artist and avid gardener, who enjoys spending as much time as possible in nature and with her family.
ajones@ndi-inc.org
Alexis (Lexi) Jones is the Project Coordinator for the Small Business Team. She is a Licensed Social Worker with 14 years of experience working with vulnerable and underserved populations. Lexi previously worked overseeing the intake process and enrichment programs for a regional organization that provided direct services to people who are blind or visually impaired. She has also served as the Advocacy Department Head for an organization serving crime victims and Resident Services Coordinator for an Independent Living Community serving seniors and adults with disabilities. Lexi holds a master’s degree in Social Work from Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She is an artist and avid gardener, who enjoys spending as much time as possible in nature and with her family.
ajones@ndi-inc.org