Influential Woman · Journalism, Education, Content Creation, Publishing

Nicole S. Daniel

Adjunct Professor, Miles College

Birmingham, AL

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Degree Communications degree from Miles College Cert Award-winning journalist

Her Story

About Nicole

I've been writing since elementary school when I was already writing at a 5th and 6th grade level in 3rd grade. I was kind of forced into journalism in high school, but writing was just something I was always good at doing. In college, I got a communications degree and was the editor of our campus newspaper. I was freelancing while I was a college student for different publications, locally and nationally. After I graduated, I got a job as a staff reporter and have received awards for my journalism work. I started my blog while I was in college and wrote my first book in college, publishing my first book in 2017. I've been blogging and freelance writing for well over 10 years now. After leaving a major publication here in Alabama where I was creating content that was getting 20,000 to 40,000 views and bringing millennials in to purchase papers, I launched The Modern Standard in 2023 as a digital platform featuring real stories and bold opinions centered on relationships, career moves, mental health, entertainment, and everyday wins for millennials. I also have my blog Nicole Sade, which I launched over 10 years ago for millennial women, where I talk about careers, cultural issues, relationships and dating. Now I teach at Miles College, the same college I graduated from, in the communications program. I've been there going on 3 years in August, and I teach the higher level courses like senior and junior year courses. I'm also teaching the campus newspaper now, the same one I was editor of as a student. I've helped several students get internships and jobs as staff writers for different publications, and some are getting certifications outside of the institution.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Nicole

01What do you attribute your success to?

I attribute my success to consistency, obedience to my calling, and being willing to evolve. I didn’t wait until everything was perfect. I moved when I had the idea, the vision, and the passion. I’ve also learned how to trust myself, even when things didn’t make sense to other people. Every season, whether it looked like growth or stillness, taught me something I needed. And honestly, I’ve built my career on showing up—over and over again—even when it was uncomfortable.

02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

I’ve never really received traditional advice from anyone. Most of what I know came from experience. I’ve learned that this is my race, and I’m allowed to run it at my own pace. There’s so much pressure to compare timelines, especially in media, but I had to unlearn that. Everything doesn’t have to happen overnight. What’s meant for me will come, and I don’t have to rush into spaces that aren’t aligned just to say I made it.

03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

Don’t be afraid to express how you truly feel through your writing, that’s where your power is. The most impactful stories come from honesty. Study other writers, pay attention to what they’re saying, how they built their platforms, and what paths they took, but don’t lose yourself trying to replicate it. Find a mentor if you can, someone who can guide you and keep you grounded. And most importantly, allow writing to take you as far as you’re willing to go. There are no limits if you stay committed to your voice.

04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

One of the biggest challenges in media right now is oversaturation. Everyone has a platform, but not everyone is intentional about what they’re putting out. It can be hard to cut through the noise, especially when authenticity sometimes gets overshadowed by trends.

At the same time, that’s also the opportunity. There’s space for real voices, for meaningful storytelling, and for people who are committed to substance over virality. As a writer and educator, I see this as a chance to not only create impactful content but to also teach the next generation how to do it with purpose, integrity, and clarity.

05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

Self-love, self-care, and knowing when to rest are at the core of everything I do. I’ve learned that you can’t pour into your work, your students, or your purpose if you’re running on empty. I value alignment, peace, and authenticity—being able to show up as my full self in every space I’m in. Success means nothing to me if it comes at the cost of my well-being.

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