“I’ve never seen an Afro-Latina that plays sitting volleyball. I want to be that person for a young athlete.” - @nicolina_cruzzz When people say “representation matters,” this is exactly what they mean. Bronx-born and Kissimmee-raised Nicky Nieves is a Paralympic volleyball gold medalist, two-time World Championship silver medalist, non-profit owner, and blogger. She aspires to show others that they’re capable of defying expectations and accomplishing any goal, even if they have to be the first to do it.