Nikkolette is the Senior Analyst of P-12 Policy at EdTrust-Tennessee where she advances P-12 policy priorities, facilitates the development of organizational expertise in key policy issues, and conducts data analysis.
Previously, Nikkolette served as an Associate at Social Policy Research Associates in Oakland, California where she conducted evaluation research to support partners to understand the implementation and outcomes of their educational initiatives. Her research background is complimented by her time as a Peace Corps Community Economic Development Volunteer in Paraguay as well as her experience working in after school programming.
As a Tennessee native, Nikkolette is passionate about using her varied experiences to advance EdTrust-Tennessee’s mission to eliminate educational disparities and enhance student outcomes. She holds a master’s degree in education policy from the University of Pennsylvania and a bachelor’s degree in international development studies and Latin American studies from the University of California, Los Angeles.
What is your proudest moment?
Completing my Peace Corps service. I was a Community Economic Development Volunteer in Paraguay from 2017-2019. After completing a community needs assessment and building relationships with the community, the community and I worked together to implement projects to develop youth leadership skills, entrepreneurial skills, and deeper community engagement. This took the form of the creation of youth leadership camps, the establishment of a school business and business classes at the elementary school, workshops for business plan creation, the construction of a multipurpose court, and more. Outside the work we accomplished, living abroad, the cultural exchange, as well as learning Spanish and Guarani are aspects of my time I deeply value.
What’s your favorite thing to do outside of work?
I enjoy gardening and generally being in nature, riding my motorcycle, art, hosting, and of course spending time with family and friends.
What are people most surprised to learn about you?
I have three German Shepherds and I do not like chocolate.
