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Meet Nicole
Meet Nicole
Meet Nicole
Meet Nicole
The Writer, Poet and Speaker
The Writer, Poet and Speaker
The Writer, Poet and Speaker
The Writer, Poet and Speaker
I weave words and language to craft compelling stories and use my voice as an instrument for liberation.
I weave words and language to craft compelling stories and use my voice as an instrument for liberation.
I weave words and language to craft compelling stories and use my voice as an instrument for liberation.
I weave words and language to craft compelling stories and use my voice as an instrument for liberation.
“Poetry is a political act because it involves telling the truth.”
~ June Jordan
"Language alone protects us from the scariness of things with no names. Language alone is meditation."
~ Toni Morrison
“Poetry is a political act because it involves telling the truth.”
~ June Jordan
"Language alone protects us from the scariness of things with no names. Language alone is meditation."
~ Toni Morrison
“Poetry is a political act because it involves telling the truth.”
~ June Jordan
"Language alone protects us from the scariness of things with no names. Language alone is meditation."
~ Toni Morrison
“Poetry is a political act because it involves telling the truth.”
~ June Jordan
"Language alone protects us from the scariness of things with no names. Language alone is meditation."
~ Toni Morrison
From humble beginnings come wonderful things
From humble beginnings come wonderful things
From humble beginnings come wonderful things
From humble beginnings come wonderful things
I close my eyes and I hear her words. My late Mom that is. I perceived a ‘bothering’ tone in her voice and I anticipated where she was about to go.
“Nicky, you have so much to offer, you must write.” Yet again, I brushed it off. “Mom, it’s okay for me to have my thoughts and not feel like sharing them publicly.”
Here I was, a grown woman looking at my mom with child-like defiance. I saw the disappointment in her eyes, yet her pursed smile revealed her hope I would somehow come around. She is not here to see it, but I believe she knew it. That eventually, I would let my guard down and finally come around.
I use my ‘voice’ as an instrument to connect, unsettle, reawaken, and appeal to the highest expressions of our humanity.
I close my eyes and I hear her words. My late Mom that is. I perceived a ‘bothering’ tone in her voice and I anticipated where she was about to go.
“Nicky, you have so much to offer, you must write.” Yet again, I brushed it off. “Mom, it’s okay for me to have my thoughts and not feel like sharing them publicly.”
Here I was, a grown woman looking at my mom with child-like defiance. I saw the disappointment in her eyes, yet her pursed smile revealed her hope I would somehow come around. She is not here to see it, but I believe she knew it. That eventually, I would let my guard down and finally come around.
I use my ‘voice’ as an instrument to connect, unsettle, reawaken, and appeal to the highest expressions of our humanity.
I close my eyes and I hear her words. My late Mom that is. I perceived a ‘bothering’ tone in her voice and I anticipated where she was about to go.
“Nicky, you have so much to offer, you must write.” Yet again, I brushed it off. “Mom, it’s okay for me to have my thoughts and not feel like sharing them publicly.”
Here I was, a grown woman looking at my mom with child-like defiance. I saw the disappointment in her eyes, yet her pursed smile revealed her hope I would somehow come around. She is not here to see it, but I believe she knew it. That eventually, I would let my guard down and finally come around.
I use my ‘voice’ as an instrument to connect, unsettle, reawaken, and appeal to the highest expressions of our humanity.
I close my eyes and I hear her words. My late Mom that is. I perceived a ‘bothering’ tone in her voice and I anticipated where she was about to go.
“Nicky, you have so much to offer, you must write.” Yet again, I brushed it off. “Mom, it’s okay for me to have my thoughts and not feel like sharing them publicly.”
Here I was, a grown woman looking at my mom with child-like defiance. I saw the disappointment in her eyes, yet her pursed smile revealed her hope I would somehow come around. She is not here to see it, but I believe she knew it. That eventually, I would let my guard down and finally come around.
I use my ‘voice’ as an instrument to connect, unsettle, reawaken, and appeal to the highest expressions of our humanity.
The Book
The Book
The Book
The Book
Collecting Courage: Joy, Pain, Freedom, Love
An award-winning book (US Edition)
The book came about as a result of timing and ongoing conversations happening between Black fundraisers about our experiences working in the charitable and philanthropic spaces. Though the context and circumstances may have differed, the undeniable thread connecting our experiences was our Black identity and the revelation that the impact and harm caused weren’t isolated. When it came to these experiences, we weren’t ‘the only ones’.
The desire and interest to start documenting our stories became a reality with the release of Our Right to Heal project with AFP Global, featuring stories of ten Canadian-based Black fundraisers. While the initial seeds were planted in 2019, the release of the project was pushed back to May 2020, within a day of the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Things moved quickly after that and the Canadian version of the book was released in November 2020 and the US edition a year later in September 2021.
Gold Winner
2022 Human Relations Indie Book Award (US), Cultural & Diversity 2022 Hurman Relations Indie Book Award (US), Collection of Short Stories/Essays
Collecting Courage: Joy, Pain, Freedom, Love
An award-winning book (US Edition)
The book came about as a result of timing and ongoing conversations happening between Black fundraisers about our experiences working in the charitable and philanthropic spaces. Though the context and circumstances may have differed, the undeniable thread connecting our experiences was our Black identity and the revelation that the impact and harm caused weren’t isolated. When it came to these experiences, we weren’t ‘the only ones’.
The desire and interest to start documenting our stories became a reality with the release of Our Right to Heal project with AFP Global, featuring stories of ten Canadian-based Black fundraisers. While the initial seeds were planted in 2019, the release of the project was pushed back to May 2020, within a day of the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Things moved quickly after that and the Canadian version of the book was released in November 2020 and the US edition a year later in September 2021.
Gold Winner
2022 Human Relations Indie Book Award (US), Cultural & Diversity 2022 Hurman Relations Indie Book Award (US), Collection of Short Stories/Essays
Collecting Courage: Joy, Pain, Freedom, Love
An award-winning book (US Edition)
The book came about as a result of timing and ongoing conversations happening between Black fundraisers about our experiences working in the charitable and philanthropic spaces. Though the context and circumstances may have differed, the undeniable thread connecting our experiences was our Black identity and the revelation that the impact and harm caused weren’t isolated. When it came to these experiences, we weren’t ‘the only ones’.
The desire and interest to start documenting our stories became a reality with the release of Our Right to Heal project with AFP Global, featuring stories of ten Canadian-based Black fundraisers. While the initial seeds were planted in 2019, the release of the project was pushed back to May 2020, within a day of the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Things moved quickly after that and the Canadian version of the book was released in November 2020 and the US edition a year later in September 2021.
Gold Winner
2022 Human Relations Indie Book Award (US), Cultural & Diversity 2022 Hurman Relations Indie Book Award (US), Collection of Short Stories/Essays
Collecting Courage: Joy, Pain, Freedom, Love
An award-winning book (US Edition)
The book came about as a result of timing and ongoing conversations happening between Black fundraisers about our experiences working in the charitable and philanthropic spaces. Though the context and circumstances may have differed, the undeniable thread connecting our experiences was our Black identity and the revelation that the impact and harm caused weren’t isolated. When it came to these experiences, we weren’t ‘the only ones’.
The desire and interest to start documenting our stories became a reality with the release of Our Right to Heal project with AFP Global, featuring stories of ten Canadian-based Black fundraisers. While the initial seeds were planted in 2019, the release of the project was pushed back to May 2020, within a day of the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Things moved quickly after that and the Canadian version of the book was released in November 2020 and the US edition a year later in September 2021.
Gold Winner
2022 Human Relations Indie Book Award (US), Cultural & Diversity 2022 Hurman Relations Indie Book Award (US), Collection of Short Stories/Essays
More On The Book
More On The Book
Poetry
Poetry
Poetry
Poetry
"A lot of people feel that the realm of poetry and the realm of the lyric is personal feeling and should rise above politics, which, in fact, good poetry has never done."
~ Claudia Rankine
"A lot of people feel that the realm of poetry and the realm of the lyric is personal feeling and should rise above politics, which, in fact, good poetry has never done."
~ Claudia Rankine
"A lot of people feel that the realm of poetry and the realm of the lyric is personal feeling and should rise above politics, which, in fact, good poetry has never done."
~ Claudia Rankine
"A lot of people feel that the realm of poetry and the realm of the lyric is personal feeling and should rise above politics, which, in fact, good poetry has never done."
~ Claudia Rankine
Through poetry, I explore a diverse range of topics that connect and appeal to the relational between us. My poems reflect a belief in our humanity and interconnectedness and yearn for a non-oppressive and liberated world for all.
These principles guide my poetic voice:
● I am because you are (Ubuntu)
● I see you (Sawubona)
● I am here to be seen (Shikona)
Through poetry, I explore a diverse range of topics that connect and appeal to the relational between us. My poems reflect a belief in our humanity and interconnectedness and yearn for a non-oppressive and liberated world for all.
These principles guide my poetic voice:
● I am because you are (Ubuntu)
● I see you (Sawubona)
● I am here to be seen (Shikona)
Through poetry, I explore a diverse range of topics that connect and appeal to the relational between us. My poems reflect a belief in our humanity and interconnectedness and yearn for a non-oppressive and liberated world for all.
These principles guide my poetic voice:
● I am because you are (Ubuntu)
● I see you (Sawubona)
● I am here to be seen (Shikona)
Through poetry, I explore a diverse range of topics that connect and appeal to the relational between us. My poems reflect a belief in our humanity and interconnectedness and yearn for a non-oppressive and liberated world for all.
These principles guide my poetic voice:
● I am because you are (Ubuntu)
● I see you (Sawubona)
● I am here to be seen (Shikona)
Explore My Poetry
Explore My Poetry
Writings
Writings
Writings
Writings
“It’s that being open—not scratching for it, not digging for it, not constructing something but being open to the situation and trusting that what you don’t know will be available to you. It is bigger than your overt consciousness or your intelligence or even your gifts; it is out there somewhere and you have to let it in.” ~ Toni Morrison
“It’s that being open—not scratching for it, not digging for it, not constructing something but being open to the situation and trusting that what you don’t know will be available to you. It is bigger than your overt consciousness or your intelligence or even your gifts; it is out there somewhere and you have to let it in.” ~ Toni Morrison
“It’s that being open—not scratching for it, not digging for it, not constructing something but being open to the situation and trusting that what you don’t know will be available to you. It is bigger than your overt consciousness or your intelligence or even your gifts; it is out there somewhere and you have to let it in.” ~ Toni Morrison
“It’s that being open—not scratching for it, not digging for it, not constructing something but being open to the situation and trusting that what you don’t know will be available to you. It is bigger than your overt consciousness or your intelligence or even your gifts; it is out there somewhere and you have to let it in.” ~ Toni Morrison
I write and speak on topics pertaining to nonprofits and charities, philanthropy, social and racial injustices and any other life issue or condition I am inspired and moved to write and muse about.
I write and speak on topics pertaining to nonprofits and charities, philanthropy, social and racial injustices and any other life issue or condition I am inspired and moved to write and muse about.
I write and speak on topics pertaining to nonprofits and charities, philanthropy, social and racial injustices and any other life issue or condition I am inspired and moved to write and muse about.
I write and speak on topics pertaining to nonprofits and charities, philanthropy, social and racial injustices and any other life issue or condition I am inspired and moved to write and muse about.
Learn More
Learn More
Speaking Topics
Speaking Topics
Speaking Topics
Speaking Topics
Are you looking for a speaker to share their expertise, views and perspectives at events, conferences or podcasts? Here are a few topics I am especially passionate about:
Nonprofit Business Model Sustainability
Growing unrestricted and sustainable income through recurring giving programs
Resetting the Philanthropic narrative
Addressing social and racial injustice in charitable and philanthropic sectors
In addition to musing about many things, I am willing to share my expertise, views and perspectives whenever invited to share them on podcasts, and at events and conferences.
I love sharing my poetry too, so reach out if you are interested in including a poetry reading at one of your events.
Are you looking for a speaker to share their expertise, views and perspectives at events, conferences or podcasts? Here are a few topics I am especially passionate about:
Nonprofit Business Model Sustainability
Growing unrestricted and sustainable income through recurring giving programs
Resetting the Philanthropic narrative
Addressing social and racial injustice in charitable and philanthropic sectors
In addition to musing about many things, I am willing to share my expertise, views and perspectives whenever invited to share them on podcasts, and at events and conferences.
I love sharing my poetry too, so reach out if you are interested in including a poetry reading at one of your events.
Are you looking for a speaker to share their expertise, views and perspectives at events, conferences or podcasts? Here are a few topics I am especially passionate about:
Nonprofit Business Model Sustainability
Growing unrestricted and sustainable income through recurring giving programs
Resetting the Philanthropic narrative
Addressing social and racial injustice in charitable and philanthropic sectors
In addition to musing about many things, I am willing to share my expertise, views and perspectives whenever invited to share them on podcasts, and at events and conferences.
I love sharing my poetry too, so reach out if you are interested in including a poetry reading at one of your events.
Are you looking for a speaker to share their expertise, views and perspectives at events, conferences or podcasts? Here are a few topics I am especially passionate about:
Nonprofit Business Model Sustainability
Growing unrestricted and sustainable income through recurring giving programs
Resetting the Philanthropic narrative
Addressing social and racial injustice in charitable and philanthropic sectors
In addition to musing about many things, I am willing to share my expertise, views and perspectives whenever invited to share them on podcasts, and at events and conferences.
I love sharing my poetry too, so reach out if you are interested in including a poetry reading at one of your events.
Get In Touch
Get In Touch
We acknowledge that the land upon which we build our lives and livelihoods is the traditional territory of the Anishinabek, Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee and Ojibway/Chippewa peoples, territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nations, and home to the Metis. We honour our relations with all who now call this land home and assume responsibility to share and be good stewards in sustaining it for generations to come.
Connect with me.
Subscribe to our Blog
© Boundless Philanthropy 2024
We acknowledge that the land upon which we build our lives and livelihoods is the traditional territory of the Anishinabek, Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee and Ojibway/Chippewa peoples, territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nations, and home to the Metis. We honour our relations with all who now call this land home and assume responsibility to share and be good stewards in sustaining it for generations to come.
Connect with me.
Subscribe to our Blog
© Boundless Philanthropy 2024
We acknowledge that the land upon which we build our lives and livelihoods is the traditional territory of the Anishinabek, Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee and Ojibway/Chippewa peoples, territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nations, and home to the Metis. We honour our relations with all who now call this land home and assume responsibility to share and be good stewards in sustaining it for generations to come.
Connect with me.
Subscribe to our Blog
© Boundless Philanthropy 2024
We acknowledge that the land upon which we build our lives and livelihoods is the traditional territory of the Anishinabek, Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee and Ojibway/Chippewa peoples, territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nations, and home to the Metis. We honour our relations with all who now call this land home and assume responsibility to share and be good stewards in sustaining it for generations to come.
Connect with me.
Subscribe to our Blog
© Boundless Philanthropy 2024