Ozark native to cheer for Washington Redskins Sunday

By: Ebony Horton
Dothan Eagle
September 22, 2012

When the Washington, D.C., Redskins play their first official home game of the season at FedEx Field Sunday, an Ozark native and her family will have a reason to be in the stands.

Troy University graduate Nikki Roberson was selected from more than 300 women to become one of 26 Redskins Ambassadors, an extension of the Redskins cheerleaders that interact with fans in the AAA Ultimate Fan Zone, Touchdown Club, suites and stands during the team’s home games.

Roberson’s brother and parents were expected to fly to Washington Friday in time to watch her perform.

Roberson, a Troy broadcast journalism major and cheerleader who graduated from Carroll High School in 2006, said she learned about the ambassadors while training for her job as an admissions counselor at Strayer University in Washington.

She said in an emailed response that her ambassador experience so far has been “amazing.”

“Overall, I must say, I’m having a blast,” she said.

“Every single time I step in the stadium I feel so blessed and honored to be affiliated with one of the most prestigious organizations in the league. I’ve met some of the most beautiful, intelligent young women. … One can only imagine how amazingly intense this weekend will be!”

Roberson said Redskins ambassadors and cheerleaders are required to either have a full-time job or to be a student. While she is paid to be an ambassador, she said her paycheck as one is not a “livable” income.

Roberson said it was difficult to be away from home at first but that prayer, networking and remembering her purpose for being away calmed her concerns.

Roberson said her ultimate goal is to become a professional cheerleader although being an ambassador is an honor.

“It will take hard work and dedication, but I’m more than determined to reach my goal,” she said.

In addition to her jobs at Strayer and with the Redskins, Roberson said she is also the creator of the fashion/beauty blog, www.lipstickinmycoffee.com, that she said is geared toward empowering women to embrace their beauty and accentuate personal growth.

She said she is still a member of the Church of God by Faith in Ozark but has also joined Reid Temple AME in Washington.