At first glance, Nicole Mays’ desk looks like any other. But look closer and you’ll find photographs from various work events, a sentimental card quoting a former executive director and trinkets that inevitably have a funny backstory. Nicole’s workspace reflects the experiences, people and projects that have shaped her 12 years at College Possible Oregon.
In 2014, Nicole joined College Possible as an external relations and operations coordinator and has held numerous leadership roles, most recently senior director of development and interim executive director. We sat down with her to discuss what she’s learned, the mentors who shaped her leadership style and what continues to inspire her today.
Can you share a bit about your background?
I’m from the Seattle area, so I grew up loving the outdoors and playing many sports like volleyball, which was the biggest motivator for me and why I still coach. In high school, I wanted to be a teacher, so I attended Western Washington University for their teaching program. When I got to college, I realized teaching wasn’t for me, so I switched to psychology to be a school counselor but decided that wasn’t meant for me either. I always knew I wanted to work in education, but I didn’t know about other career opportunities in the field outside of teaching or counseling until I discovered the non-profit sector during my last term in college.
What role has education played in your life?
College gave me a lot of opportunities, but an important one was the choice to like my job and career. It provided me with the freedom to enjoy what I do and to move on and try something else if needed. That’s something no one in my family has had and something I hope College Possible students can achieve. It’s not usually part of the narrative we talk about, but I think it’s really powerful.
What drew you to College Possible Oregon?
I moved to Portland a couple of months after graduation and got an internship with a nonprofit where I worked in fundraising doing special events. Later, I came across College Possible and thought it was the perfect blend of education, fundraising and behind-the-scenes work I thrive in. Education was really important to me, even as a kid. It’s where I felt really at home. So, working in education and having a career in mission-driven work that’s important for our communities holds a lot of purpose for me.
Congratulations on your new role! In what ways do you see your years of experience with the organization informing your role as executive director?
We were a new College Possible site when I started, and I was only the third full-time staff member. My first role was a combination of fundraising, operations and recruitment, and I didn’t know what I specifically wanted to go into yet. While that had frustrating moments at times, I learned so much about how an organization runs. I met so many people and interacted with finance, HR, senior leaders, fundraising teams, and executive directors. Having that context about how an organization truly operates, I think, is one of my greatest strengths. I’m still learning, but I understand the things we’ve done well, the opportunities that still exist and who we might approach to support that work.
You’ve held numerous positions of leadership throughout your time here. How would you describe your leadership philosophy?
I like drawing on mentors I’ve had within and outside of College Possible. While they’ve all had different styles, one thing I hope to embody as a leader myself is how each of them empower people to be the best they can be. I want to encourage people to embrace their own expertise while also supporting them to strive for more. Sometimes, that means nudging people to try new things. I was given opportunities that I didn’t think I was ready for but ultimately helped me grow. The best part of being a leader is having a really good team who know all the things you don’t. That’s true at College Possible where I hope people feel like they can show up and bring who they are and what they know to the workplace.
What do you enjoy most about working at College Possible Oregon?
First, our team and the people who have worked here over the years. While this work can be challenging, we have amazing people who are eager to be here. I’m still connected to former staff, not just in Oregon, but across the country and having that network of support has been very special. Seeing students graduate and dive into their careers and leadership roles in their communities also keeps me motivated because sometimes in the moment, it’s hard to see the long-term impact. Having student alumni on our staff as colleagues or seeing others lead on our boards and uplift their communities, that is what our mission is all about.
Song on repeat: “Bowery” by Zach Bryan and Kings of Leon
Currently reading: I just started “Rebecca” by Daphne du Maurier
Hobbies: I love to coach volleyball, hike, backpack, camp and travel. Really anything that’s outside.
