Nicole Blake
Nicole Blake is an accomplished educator, activist, public speaker, and advocate with over 20 years of experience in higher education and student affairs. Her career began during her undergraduate studies at California State University-Long Beach, where she served as a college advisor for Educational Talent Search, supporting first-generation students who shared similar backgrounds and challenges. Inspired by her parents’ dedication to community mentorship—her mother running an in-home daycare and her father coaching youth football—Nicole developed a lifelong commitment to guiding and empowering others, particularly underrepresented students navigating higher education.
Throughout her professional journey, Nicole has held pivotal roles in enrollment management and student affairs at institutions including the University of California, Berkeley, Holy Names University, University of San Francisco, and Biola University. She has overseen recruitment budgets, developed summer programs introducing students from her community to the University of California, and led teams with a focus on emotional intelligence and mentorship. Her dedication to student success was recognized with the Chancellor’s Achievement Award at UC Berkeley, and she continues to influence and advise students and young professionals long after their graduation.
Currently, Nicole serves as Regional Coordinator for the Umoja Community Education Foundation, Inc., where she furthers the organization’s mission of culturally responsive education that honors the African and African American diasporas. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys spending time in nature—camping, boating, fishing, and walking—while sharing these experiences with her daughters. Nicole also has a passion for astronomy and athletics and has recently embraced her African heritage and culture more deeply, integrating this awareness into her personal life and her community-centered work.
• California State University, Long Beach - BA
• Chancellor's Achievement Award from UC Berkeley
• Umoja Education Community Foundation
• National Association of Student Affairs Professionals (NASPA)
• Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church
• Enrollment Leadership Academy
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the example set by my parents, the guiding influence of my church and community, and my commitment to mentoring young people. Additionally, I have focused on cultivating emotional intelligence, which has helped me navigate challenges and build meaningful relationships both personally and professionally.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
My sister advised me to recognize that I’m not new to this work — I’ve been in the field for a long time and have a lot to contribute. That perspective helped me appreciate my experience and understand the value I bring.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women entering this industry to be gentle with themselves and give themselves time to grow. Start by forgiving yourself—before you can forgive or judge others, make peace with your own journey. I’d also encourage them to keep going and keep trying. It’s easy to feel pressure to have a clear purpose right away, but the only way to discover it is by exploring, experimenting, and trying new experiences. Each step brings clarity and helps you find where you truly belong.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I believe the biggest challenge in my field continues to be access. Not everyone starts on an equal footing, and for people who look like me or come from communities like mine, access to information is often limited. That’s why I’ve dedicated my work to ensuring that students, parents, and community members have the information they need—about education and opportunities—to improve their circumstances. Ultimately, I see access to information as the key to empowerment and the foundation for creating meaningful change.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are leading with love and approaching life with a grateful heart. I’ve learned that when I rush or take things for granted, resentment can creep in, and I’m reminded of how essential it is to slow down and embrace both love and gratitude in all that I do. Another core value for me is understanding and embracing my African roots. For much of my life, I struggled with fully acknowledging my heritage, but now, in my 40th year, I do so unapologetically. Recognizing where I come from has given me a stronger sense of self, a clearer perspective, and something authentic to pass on to my children—a legacy of pride, truth, and connection to our roots.
Locations
Umoja Community Education Foundation, Inc.
Los Angeles, CA 90035