Niko Kowell is a proud Trans and Queer person and lifelong activist, starting with founding his high school’s GSA back in Cincinnati, Ohio. This began his career in community organizing and advocacy. He continued his growth and learning at Antioch College getting a degree in Psychology. Two weeks after graduating he moved to San Francisco and worked at Frameline, Folsom Street Events and SF Pride before landing a job with Trans:Thrive, where he worked for 14 years. He has also worked for Eros (a gay men’s sex club that is inclusive of trans men), where he developed tm4m, an innovative program for gay/bi/queer trans men.

In 2021, he left his non-profit job of 14 years, where he was an Associate Director of Health Equity. In those years he was responsible for managing multiple Trans and LGBTQ programs and grants, as well as organizing events, running a drop-in center, facilitating workshops and support groups, and more. After taking some time off, he decided to pursue his passion of diving full time.

He’s been diving for over 20 years, getting certified at 18, his PADI Divemaster at 27, and now he is a SSI Instructor. He has also volunteered at the Aquarium of the Bay as a diver since 2012, which never fails to be an adventure! From catching Sharks to feeding Giant Sea Bass, the Aquarium is one of his favorite places.

Narwhal Divers is his manifestation of the two things he loves the most: diving and serving the Transgender and Queer community. He wants to make the world of diving a safer place for all, especially Trans folks.

Niko hopes you’ll love diving as much as he does, and is always happy to chat with folks about diving. Feel free to reach out to him with any questions at NarwhalDivers@gmail.com.