Nicole Connell, M.Ed., ACHE

I would attribute my success to my personal lived experiences with family members, friends, and community members who have been impacted by inequitable access to resources. Witnessing the challenges they faced ignited my passion and commitment to ensuring others have access to the supports they need. Those experiences taught me that when people are connected with the right resources and healthcare, they are not only able to meet their needs but can truly thrive.

My drive comes from a deep belief that all people deserve the opportunity to live fulfilling lives. I’ve seen firsthand how the right supports can transform someone’s journey, and that belief continues to guide my work and dedication to improving the lives of others every day.

The best career advice I ever received was to own the fullness of my voice, even in rooms that are not yet ready to hear it. That wisdom has carried me through every season of leadership.

As women, especially in spaces where our leadership may be underestimated or the minority, we are often encouraged to shrink, soften, or second guess. The best advice I have applied is to always courageously step forward in those moments, not backwards.

Advice I would give to a young woman in the health and human services field, especially one interested in executive leadership, is to say yes to the table even when you feel unready. Too often young women hesitate out of perfectionism, imposter syndrome, or self-doubt. The reality is that no one ever feels completely ready for their next step.

Some of my greatest career opportunities came not because I had everything figured out but because I learned to quiet the doubtful inner voices and step into spaces that stretched me. Each time I leaned into risk and uncertainty, I discovered capacity I didn’t know I had. Growth rarely comes from what is comfortable. If it feels too easy, you are probably not pushing yourself far enough.

The biggest challenges in behavioral health today are funding uncertainties and workforce shortages. Public programs face shifting budgets and reimbursement rates that make it hard to sustain services, while providers struggle to recruit and retain qualified staff. At the same time, these pressures create space for innovation. We have an opportunity to reimagine service delivery by integrating care in new settings, leveraging technology, and creating efficiencies that make systems more sustainable. Out of these challenges comes the chance to build a more responsive and equitable behavioral health system.

The values most important to me in both my work and my personal life are equity, integrity, and family. I believe deeply in doing the right thing for people and communities, even when those choices are difficult or complex. Equity means making sure that everyone has access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive, and that principle guides my decisions as a leader. I also value family, both my own family who grounds and inspires me and the families I serve professionally whose strength and resilience remind me why this work matters.