De Nichols is a multi-hyphenate changemaker, a force for good and an ever-buzzing idea catalyst. She is an arts-based organizer, social impact designer, self-described serial entrepreneur, and keynote lecturer. Her impressive list of accomplishments and accolades is proof that she puts in the work, approaches it authentically, and delivers on an ever-growing vision to improve communities and systems of social & racial justice.
De and I sat down last year to talk about her journey and how she stays balanced and inspired. As a 2017 Citizen Artist Fellow of the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, 2018 Artist Fellow with the Regional Arts Commission in St. Louis, MO, current Harvard Loeb Fellow, and chair/board member of several organizations, De finds value and groundedness in meetups as well as extended solo itineraries. When traveling, it’s important for her to connect with others to discuss what’s happening in their communities. She also carves out time for herself to “just be.” Reflecting, writing, exploring and cooking are some of the ways she stays in touch with herself and the why of her work.
Even after years of experience, countless partnerships with organizations, press features and numerous projects launched, De somehow maintains the infectious energy of a startup company and approaches everything with a refreshing sense of curiosity, purposeful passion and expertise. It’s impossible to capture here the depth and breadth of the impact she has made on people and communities. To learn more about De visit https://www.denichols.co/about.
