Nicole spent most of her professional life with a Fortune 500 company, where her passion for leadership led her to become the first female Chief Development Officer in 160-year company history.

Working in the male-dominated industry of financial services has given her both experience and insight into what’s working, and what may not be working, in developing productive women and leaders within an organization.

Both of Nicole’s parents immigrated to the United States, her father from Mexico and her mother from Germany, making her a first generation American.

She credits her father in teaching her strong work ethic, confidence, and willingness to take risks. Her mother taught her the organizational skills and effective time management that allows for her to excel in complex and challenging roles.