Strategist. Purpose- Drive Executive. Speaker. Connector.

Michelle A. Nicholas is a highly accomplished and respected thought leader who has made significant contributions to various fields, including diversity, equity, and inclusion, community development, and nonprofit management. As a sought-after executive coach and speaker, she is known for her strategic thinking, patience, keen listening skills, and her respectful and empathetic approach to people, regardless of their position or title. Focused on advancing the well-being of all, Ms. Nicholas has used her history and understanding of the public, nonprofit, and private sectors to secure resources that benefit those who need them most.

Committed to growth and development, Ms. Nicholas founded The NICO Consulting Inc., a boutique consulting firm with a focus on strategy and operations, Diversity Equity Inclusion Access and Belonging (DEIAB), marketing, public relations, and nonprofit management. The company has a presence in both South America and New York and assists clients in optimizing their performance and seizing opportunities.

Ms. Nicholas has held several significant leadership positions throughout her career. Notable roles include Senior Vice President (SVP), Chief Diversity Officer, and Director of Community Development at PCSB Bank, where she is credited with being the architect of the bank's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policy and implementing several inclusive initiatives and programs that have positively impacted the institution's growth, community engagement, and revenue. She has also served as the Executive Director of Girls Inc. of Westchester County and Vice President of Development and External Affairs for Family Services of Westchester. In these positions, she significantly increased revenue, improved organizational culture, enhanced visibility, developed award-winning programs, and expanded community engagement.

Recognized across sectors, she has received numerous awards and recognitions for her work, including 914 Inc. Magazine, City & State NY, Crain’s Business New York, the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Face2Face Africa, Westchester Magazine, VNY! Leadership Westchester, United Way of Westchester and Putnam, Caribbean Life, Westchester Business Council, and The Network Journal.

Ms. Nicholas is actively involved in various board leadership positions and organizations, such as PCSB Community Foundation, United Way of Westchester and Putnam, NonProfit Westchester, Westchester’s Women Agenda, Westchester County’s African American Advisory Board, Rotary Club of White Plains, Women in Energy Guyana and the Youth Shelter Program of Westchester. Her dedication to these roles underscores her commitment to community betterment.

Through her dedication to the advocacy of women, children, and inclusive issues, working locally and internationally, Ms. Nicholas co-created Guyana’s first women’s leadership award, the 25 Influential Women Leaders Award, and the Women’s Leadership Program. She is also the founder and president of Sexual Assault and Family Education (SAFEGUYANA), a non-profit organization in Guyana providing services and resources to victims of gender-based violence and those struggling with mental illness.

She holds degrees in economics and social work from the University of Guyana and is an alumna of Volunteer New York’s Leadership Westchester program. Additionally, she is a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) Citizens’ Academy, demonstrating her commitment to lifelong learning and professional development.