Strategic Communications Professional
Thorough, results-driven senior public affairs leader, two decades of experience in a full range of communications including leading teams, traditional and social media, partnership building, strategic planning, and event management. Enjoys working in a mission-driven environment. Vast experience working for major nonprofit and public relations organizations on issues including education, social justice, environment, financial security, and nutrition and health. Expertise in advising senior leaders and supervising media personnel. Leads a girls’ empowerment mentorship program in Montgomery County, Md. Has a Master of Arts from The University of Maryland, College Park, a Bachelor of Arts from Spelman College, and a Women in Leadership Certificate from Cornell University. Worked for The Education Trust, The Pew Charitable Trusts in progressively more challenging roles, Widmeyer Communications, The Caraway Group, and the U.S. Department of Education. Board member for the Education Writers Association. Serves on the advisory board for Aspire, an alliance of higher education organizations working towards increasing the diversity of STEM faculty nationwide.
Bio
As vice president of communications at EdTrust, Nicolle leads a high-impact team dedicated to advancing policies that dismantle the racial and economic barriers in the U.S. education system. Her team focuses on recognizing the excellence and boundless potential of Black, Latino, and low-income students, ensuring they have equitable access to quality education.
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Nicolle develops and executes bold, comprehensive communication strategies that amplify EdTrust’s advocacy agenda and shape national and regional conversations on educational equity. Through strategic media relations, digital campaigns, and targeted outreach, she engages key stakeholders—educators, policymakers, parents, caregivers, and communities—mobilizing them to push for systemic change from Pre-K through college.
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She builds strong partnerships with national and state-level organizations and manages high-profile public relations efforts, ensuring EdTrust’s mission resonates with diverse audiences and drives tangible, lasting change. With a laser focus on advancing equity and justice, Nicolle plays a critical role in shaping EdTrust’s public narrative, elevating the organization and the voices of advocates for educational equity, and ensuring their message inspires action nationwide.
Before joining EdTrust, Nicolle was a communications manager for The Pew Charitable Trusts, where she oversaw outreach efforts for the Kids’ Safe & Healthful Foods Project, a joint initiative between Pew and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. She also worked at D.C.-based public and media relations firms Widmeyer Communications and The Caraway Group, serving nonprofit, government, and corporate clients.
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Nicolle holds a master’s degree from the University of Maryland, College Park, a bachelor’s degree from Spelman College, and a women in leadership certificate from Cornell University. She currently serves on the Education Writers Association’s Board of Directors and on the advisory board for Aspire, an alliance of higher education organizations working to increase the diversity of STEM faculty nationwide. She resides in Maryland with her husband, two teenage sons, and her beloved puppy.