President’s Message

August 2025 –

It is an honor to address each of you as President of our association. Our members
embody excellence, dedication, and the tireless pursuit of accuracy and professionalism
in every aspect of our careers. As we look ahead, we recognize that the strength of our
association comes from the diverse talents and fresh perspectives we bring together.

To continue advancing the goals of our association, we must actively invite passionate
individuals to join us. By welcoming newcomers alongside seasoned experts, we ignite
collaboration, foster mentorship, and drive innovation.

During my term as President, the central commitment of USCRA’s Executive Committee
has been simple: Every member should feel they have a seat at the table. Whether
you’re a veteran reporter, a first-year federal reporter, a committee volunteer, or a busy
reporter just hanging on for dear life, your voice matters. To cultivate this inclusive
culture, we are:

  • Expanding committee opportunities so more members can lead and influence
    decisions
  • Exploring the viability of town halls and virtual meet-ups where ideas flow freely
  • Launching initiatives to further membership engagement
  • Ensuring that our events foster an open and welcoming atmosphere where all
    participants feel included and valued.

Our goal is to create opportunities for meaningful connections across the entire group,
rather than having smaller, exclusive circles form. By encouraging inclusive interactions
and engagement, we hope everyone will feel comfortable participating and connecting
with new people. When everyone feels welcome and empowered, we unlock the full
potential of our collective expertise.

As we embark on this next chapter, I invite you to reach out, share your aspirations, and
join our mission to promote and maintain the highest standards of verbatim reporting,
quality services, professional ethics, fidelity to the ideals of the judicial system, and
advocating for a seat at the table in order to shape the future of court reporting in the
federal system. Let’s work side by side to strengthen our community, attract fresh talent,
and uphold the highest standards of our profession.

Thank you for your dedication. Here’s to a year of growth, collaboration, and an
unwavering commitment to making every member feel truly at home in the USCRA
community.

With gratitude and enthusiasm,

Nikki Peters,
USCRA President 2024-2025