Nicolle Rodrigues Pereira Barros Nobre
Nicolle Rodrigues Pereira Barros Nobre is a dedicated student at Valencia College in Winter Garden, Florida, where she is pursuing an Associate of Arts degree with a perfect 4.0 GPA. Passionate about business, economics, and community engagement, Nicolle is building a strong academic and professional foundation that reflects her commitment to excellence and leadership. As a Ginsburg Family Foundation Fellow, she is part of a selective program that recognizes students for their academic achievement, civic involvement, and leadership potential.
In addition to her fellowship, Nicolle serves as a Library Assistant at Valencia College, where she provides essential support to students, faculty, and staff while managing library resources and acquisitions. She is also the founder and leader of Book Nerds, a student club that fosters a culture of reading, discussion, and communication among peers—particularly supporting English for Academic Purposes (EAP) students. Her initiative and organizational skills have created an inclusive space for learning and connection on campus.
Beyond her academic and professional pursuits, Nicolle is actively engaged in volunteer work, reflecting her deep sense of community and service. She contributes as a volunteer at Projeto Vida Church, translating sermons and teachings from Portuguese to English and Spanish to support a multilingual congregation. She has also volunteered with A Gift for Teaching, helping distribute school supplies to local educators and students. Fluent in Portuguese and proficient in English, Nicolle continues to develop her global perspective and professional skills as she prepares for future roles in accounting, business analysis, and economics.
• Professional Networking
• Valencia College - AA
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance, purpose, and the values instilled in me by my Brazilian parents. As a sophomore at Valencia College majoring in Business, I’ve developed a strong sense of clarity and conviction about my goals. Inspired by my cultural background, I envision a career in diplomacy that combines cultural understanding with strategic impact. I want to help create opportunities for future generations and strengthen international relations. Since arriving from Brazil in 2022, I’ve been determined to improve my English and pursue higher education in the United States. Now, as a student at Valencia College, I’ve come to appreciate the stark differences between Brazilian and American systems—especially in public education and political governance. Living here has changed my perspective; I’ve seen firsthand how strong public systems can uplift entire communities. My goal is to bring that understanding back to Brazil and invest in developing future leaders, making education more accessible and international cooperation more effective.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to stay true to myself and always do my best. One piece of wisdom that has stayed with me is: “Try everything. Don’t fear the future—embrace it.” I’ve learned that saying “yes” to new opportunities—whether it’s applying for a fellowship, joining a language exchange, or studying abroad—can open doors I never imagined. Each experience, even the uncertain ones, has helped me grow personally and professionally, shaping the confident and curious person I am today.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is accessibility—especially when it comes to the cost of pursuing global opportunities. Scholarships and fellowships certainly help, but the journey can still be expensive. Study programs, conferences, and even professional attire can add up quickly. That’s why I encourage students to actively seek out support networks, grants, and work-study opportunities whenever possible. Another challenge lies in balancing family expectations with personal and career goals. As someone who has studied abroad and lived away from family, I understand how emotionally demanding that can be. My parents’ sacrifices continue to inspire me, yet I’ve also learned that it’s okay to create space for my own future—even if it looks different from what was expected. Embracing that balance has been one of the most meaningful parts of my journey.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me most in both my work and personal life are resilience, initiative, and purpose. My journey has been shaped by perseverance and a deep commitment to growth and service. As a recipient of several academic scholarships and fellowships, I strive to give back to the community—whether by volunteering at a local church or teaching Portuguese at the library. In February 2025, I launched a campus book club centered on cultural exchange through literature. The project quickly gained momentum, bringing together students from diverse backgrounds to share stories and perspectives. Being away from home and facing financial challenges has tested me, but those experiences have also strengthened my resolve. They’ve given me the clarity and determination to pursue a diplomatic career with passion, empathy, and perseverance.