“Tough and Universal: Stories of Grit” is a new series from WFPL produced in partnership with IDEAS xLab. In this episode, cooking instructor Nikkia Rhodes talks about her struggles growing up in Louisville’s Smoketown neighborhood, including her mother’s struggle with substance abuse and her father’s incarceration. Despite these challenges, Nikkia graduated with a degree in culinary arts from Jefferson County Community and Technical College and was recently chosen to participate in a mentorship program run by Chef Edward Lee for women in the industry.