Nichole M. Fifer, PhD, MPA

I attribute my success first and foremost to my mother, who showed me through her own life that persistence and determination can overcome barriers. After being discouraged from pursuing law early in life, she later returned to school in her 30s with three children at home and completed law school, setting a powerful example of resilience and purpose. She instilled in me the belief that I have the capacity to take on hard things if I’m willing to put in the work and not limit myself. I’ve also been shaped by a network of strong women mentors, including a college mentor and my first supervisor at the National Park Service, who taught me how to take up space, grow into leadership, and advocate for others—lessons I now strive to carry forward in my own work.

The best career advice I’ve ever received from mentors has been to take up space with confidence, be politically effective in a constructive and productive way, and fully lean into my own capabilities rather than minimizing them. I’ve also learned the importance of embracing incremental, step-by-step progress—recognizing that meaningful growth and leadership are built over time through consistent effort, learning, and intentional action.

My advice to young women entering my industry is to develop grit and confidence in equal measure. We still operate in spaces—especially in economics and technology—where leadership is often male-dominated, so it’s important not to hesitate to assert yourself or shrink your presence. If you believe you’ve earned a seat at the table, you have to be willing to claim it and protect that space. Lean into your education, training, and networks, and don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself and pursue new opportunities. I also encourage an incremental mindset: focus on the best next step rather than waiting for the perfect one. Too often, women second-guess their capabilities or hold back when they are fully prepared to lead—so believing in your value and having the confidence to move forward is essential.

The biggest challenges in my field include a shrinking regional talent pool and persistent infrastructure gaps, particularly around broadband access, which can limit both workforce participation and economic development. At the same time, there are significant opportunities in preparing communities and systems for AI readiness, ensuring programs are aligned with evolving regional industry demand, and strengthening cross-sector coalitions. These partnerships are essential to advancing economic mobility and creating more equitable access to opportunity in a rapidly changing landscape.

The values most important to me in both my work and personal life center on a deep commitment to community development and urban revitalization, with a focus on creating pathways for opportunity in underserved areas. I strongly believe in economic mobility through education, mentorship, grit, and consistent advocacy for women. These principles guide how I lead, collaborate, and show up for others, ensuring that my work contributes to meaningful and lasting impact.