A lifelong resident of Hudson and Bergen counties, Niurka “Nikki” Mederos is the Director of the Community Outreach and Engagement at Hackensack Meridian Health Palisades Medical Center in North Bergen, NJ. During her 40-year tenure at the medical facility, Ms. Mederos has worked within local communities to promote the hospital’s services, build community partnerships, and provide healthcare outreach programs and free health screenings to residents. Receiving her MBA with a dual concentration in Marketing and Health Care Management from Saint Peter’s University, she became the President of their Alumni board and is currently a member of the university’s Board of Trustees. Ms. Mederos is also an adjunct professor in the Business Administration and Health Care realm for the university.Rotary Achievements: Nikki joined the North Hudson Rotary Club in 2010 after being well-versed by another Rotarian about the magnificent work that the “Gift of Life” does for children around the world. She served as club President from 2012 -2014, and again during 2019-2022; receiving Presidential Citations for all terms and becoming a Walter D. Head Foundation recipient in 2014. During her Presidential terms, several noteworthy events originated by the North Hudson Club, such as the “Pink Heels and Pink Ties” fight against Breast Cancer Fundraiser. She was honored by her club for outreach services in the fight against breast cancer in her community. She is a Rotary International Paul Harris Society Fellow. As Past District Governor for 7490, she had a very successful district governor’s year. Her signature project was collaborating on a joint venture with District Rotary 7490 Foundation, the Town of North Bergen (Senator Nicholas Sacco/Board of Commissioners), and Hackensack Meridian Health Palisades Medical Center in constructing a fitness center at Broderick Park in North Bergen, which still stands today and is enjoyed by the local community. She received the Rotary District 7490 Vocational Assembly Award for her commitment to her profession and dedication to the community. The Rotary International President, Barry Rassin, presented the award. At the United Nations, she was the Panel Moderator for Rotary International discussions. Most recently, she was Rotary Public Image Coordinator, Zone 32 (2019-2021), where she presented internationally at the Hamburg, Germany, Convention. She was the District Governor’s Advisor and Conference Chair (2022-2024; 2024-2026), District and Governor Elect Trainer; Rotary Leadership Institute Chair and Facilitator; Regional Vice-Chair for RLI 2025-2028; President Elects Learning Seminar (Marketing/PR) for 2023-2024/2025/2026. Convenor and Chair for the RI Director’s Nominating Committee for 2026-2028, and currently is the Chair for the New Jersey Rotary Steering Committee.
Awards and Recognitions: Official proclamation as one of "Union City's Best" by Senator Brian P. Stack and the Board of Commissioners for her achievements in the field of health care and for helping community residents in need of adequate health care and education. Numerous recognitions include United Way of Hudson County honoring Nikki with the “Congresswoman Mary T. Norton Memorial Award”; the National Association of Cuban American Women, receiving the “Dr. Elena Mederos” (no relation) award for outstanding quality healthcare in the community. In 2016, Nikki was honored by the Gold Coast Chamber of Commerce as one of the leading women in business and was named Cuban Woman of the Year for 2017. Save Latin America honored her as a Cuban Community Leader for her dedication and commitment to the Hispanic Community. Then honored by Saint Peter’s University for Community Service (Hearts and Minds) and recognized with another proclamation by Hudson County. In 2024, Nikki received the ELLA Award (Eres Lider Latina Admirable) by the Hudson County Latin American Chamber of Commerce for her leadership in Community Outreach and Healthcare education.
Aside from her professional and community service career, Nikki has been married for 40 years and has two children and two lovely daughters-in-law. Having her family’s love and support has always been the encouraging influence in her very busy and active life.