Nicole has always kept Louisville at the center of her heart and was heartbroken by the murder of Breonna Taylor and subsequent mishandling of her case by local and state authorities. Nicole committed herself to protests throughout the Spring and Summer of 2020, collaborating with National Social Justice Organization Until Freedom as a community liaison.

 

This work saw Nicole labor tirelessly with many others and connecting protestors and organizers with community resources by leveraging her relationships both locally and nationally.

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As the Coronavirus Pandemic changed the daily landscape for many, Nicole partnered with the Louisville Urban League’s Black Votes Matter registration effort, serving at the Community Engagement Specialist for the program. Through the collective efforts of herself and her team, over 500 people were registered to vote and also provided with rides to the Early Voting Centers around the city of Louisville.

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Nicole Hayden Helps Young Women Find Their Purpose

True visionaries are those who see a need for change and have the insight and drive to make it happen. Nicole Hayden has a vision. It’s one where young women of color have the opportunity to realize their unlimited potential — and like a true visionary, she’s out there making it happen. Through her program, Friends of Nicole 50/50 Mentoring Collaborative Inc., she’s making sure that these young women throughout the Jefferson County Public School System and Louisville receive the support they need to thrive.

 

Nicole developed the 50/50 Mentoring Collaborative so female mentors, business professionals, and community leaders could help young women of color create better opportunities for themselves. “This mentorship program is so needed,” Nicole says, “Not only do we work with the youth, but we also work with teachers, families, and mental health care professionals.” All of these outlets allow young adults different avenues of care within the program.

 

Maintaining this type of mentoring platform requires hope, resources, and an innovative spirit. Nicole has effortlessly stepped into this role, which led her to put together The Angles Selfie Museum located at 111 W. Washington in Whiskey Row Alley. “It’s a 90-day pop up fundraiser that serves as a creative space with 8 themed rooms where you can snap your best selfie,” Nicole says. “It’s for influencers, creators, tourists, corporate team building,  families, and will house programs in tech and digital platforms. Our youth need a creative space, and downtown Louisville needs the Angles Selfie Museum.”

 Nicole will continue to keep three things at the front of her work: the people, the passion, and the purpose to leave the world a more confident, beautiful, and just place.