LEADERSHIP
“Leadership is organizing and unifying a body of people to achieve a common goal. It is directing and delegating a team, not setting a goal and rallying a team beneath it.”
Nicole’s definition of leadership emphasizes the civil servitude required to be a leader. She believes in the vision of the people and her work with the National Society of Black Engineers, UMBC Residential Life, and UMBC Honors College Council are testimony to this belief. The following collection of experiences describes Nicole’s collegiate journey as a leader.
N S B E
National Society of Black Engineers
2021-22 Term: UMBC Vice President
Nicole advocated for updates to the board bylaws aimed at enhancing working conditions for all members. She spearheaded efforts to revise the E-Board elections process, ensuring fairness and transparency for all candidates involved. Moreover, Nicole took the lead in organizing and facilitating E-Board general body meetings, facilitating interaction and teamwork among board members to efficiently tackle organizational objectives and obstacles.
2022 Term: RII Collegiate Zone Coordinator
From June to August 2022, Nicole supported the Regional Leadership Conference Chairperson in coordinating a regional leadership conference. She played a key role in planning and executing the event to guarantee its success. Additionally, Nicole offered guidance and assistance to all chapter presidents in the DC-Maryland-Virginia area, known as the Terror Zone. Her valuable advice and support empowered these leaders to effectively manage their chapters. Nicole also developed a comprehensive strategy for a Terror Zone Summit and RII NSBE Formal, fostering member engagement and encouraging collaboration among chapters.
2023-24 Term: RII Professionals Membership Chair
Nicole participated in the National Leadership Conference, where she engaged in various training sessions aimed at enhancing her leadership skills and knowledge. She also worked closely with the professional membership committee to discuss and develop plans focused on improving services and benefits for the organization's members. Nicole initiated the restructuring of the RII Graduate Student Reception at Fall Regional Conference despite being unable to attend. She presented workshops at the Regional Leadership Conference and Terror Zone Summits. She also assisted the Secretary in developing the RII Professionals website to be more user friendly. To foster inter membership events and communication, Nicole created the first ever regional wide contact booklet, widely available to both the professional and regional membership.
2024-25 Term: PDC Special Events Coordinator
Nicole was elected RII Chair-Elect (similar to a Vice President) of the RII Professionals Board by membership at the NSBE50 Annual Convention. Her term would have begun in May, however, she turned down the position due to her admission to graduate school overseas. Instead, she is serving the organization as the Special Events Coordinator for the Professional Development Conference occurring this August.
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Residential Life
2022-23 Term: Erickson RA Returner
In addition to her previous duties, Nicole took on a more prominent leadership role as a returning RA. From guiding new RA through their daily duties to assisting the CD with administrative tasking.
Nicole, in her role, took on several responsibilities aimed at fostering a positive residential community environment. She addressed resident conflicts by mediating discussions to reach resolutions amicably, ensuring harmonious living conditions within the residence. Additionally, Nicole actively organized and sustained community engagement initiatives based on student recommendations, creating an inclusive and vibrant living environment.
Moreover, she handled sensitive and confidential information concerning residents with professionalism and discretion, respecting their privacy and confidentiality at all times. Furthermore, Nicole advocated for the improvement of Resident Assistant (RA) working conditions and student living standards, striving to enhance the overall quality of life for residents and RAs alike. Through her efforts, Nicole played a pivotal role in promoting a supportive and conducive living environment within the student residence.
2021-22 Term: Erickson RA
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Honors College Council
2022-23 Term: HCC External Vice President
Nicole assumed multifaceted responsibilities focused on event planning and coordination, as well as fostering collaboration between various organizations. As part of her duties, she led and provided guidance to both the Recurring and Major Events Committees, ensuring the successful execution of their respective projects. Nicole collaborated with both on-campus and off-campus organizations to strategize and plan events such as the Trivia Bowl and networking luncheons, designed to facilitate meaningful interactions between professors and students.
Furthermore, Nicole served as the liaison for the Honors College, actively participating in the planning committee for the first Meyerhoff X HCC Charity Gala since COVID. In this capacity, she facilitated communication and cooperation between the planning committee, Meyerhoff Council, and the Honors College, ensuring alignment with the college's goals and values throughout the planning process. Examples include working with the major events committee to select a charity to receive funds and delegating