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Nicole Ward
Outreach Coordinator at Multnomah County
Professional Background
Nicole Ward is a dedicated and passionate professional with extensive experience in social work, community outreach, and program development. With a career spanning several impactful roles, Nicole has utilized her unique skill set to advocate for underserved communities and foster positive change in social service strategies. Currently, she serves as the Outreach Coordinator at Multnomah County, where she spearheads initiatives aimed at enhancing service delivery and creating resource pathways for those in need. Nicole's responsibilities include engaging with diverse populations, crafting effective outreach strategies, and collaborating with community partners to bridge gaps in services.
Education and Achievements
Nicole's educational journey laid a strong foundation for her career in social work and community services. She earned her Master’s in Social Work with a focus on Social Service Administration and Leadership from Portland State University. This academic background fortifies her expertise in developing policies and programs that address the complexities faced by marginalized groups. Prior to her master’s degree, Nicole completed her Bachelor of Arts at the University of Oregon, where she majored in Women and Gender Studies while also studying Sociology and Spanish. This interdisciplinary education not only enhanced her understanding of social justice issues but also equipped her with the linguistic skills to connect with a broader audience in her outreach work.
Nicole's commitment to advocacy is evident in her various roles, notably her positions at the Council for Opportunity in Education, where she worked as a Public Policy and Communications Assistant and as a New Programs and Services Intern. In these capacities, she engaged in significant policy work designed to expand educational opportunities for low-income individuals. Her internship at Mercy Corps using her resource development skills further solidified her ability to communicate effectively about critical social issues.
Nicole also has hands-on experience in program development through her time with Fundacion EnVia Teotitlan del Valle, where she was instrumental in creating programs that supported community enrichment, particularly in education and economic empowerment. Additionally, her earlier internship experiences, including her time in the Executive Office at Impact NW and as an Information and Assistance Specialist, have built a solid foundation in client services, all of which have informed her current work in programmatic leadership.
Achievements
Throughout her career, Nicole has garnered recognition for her exceptional ability to engage communities and facilitate meaningful dialogue surrounding social services. Her role as Outreach Coordinator at Multnomah County exemplifies her dedication to ensuring that all individuals have equitable access to essential services, which reinforces her commitment to social justice and community empowerment. Nicole's leadership skills are evident in her ability to mobilize resources effectively and advocate for policy changes that reflect the needs of the community.
Nicole's interdisciplinary background along with her hands-on experiences has uniquely positioned her as a transformative leader in social work. She continues to inspire others through her devotion to community advocacy, policy engagement, and her efforts in ensuring equitable service delivery across various populations. Her journey reflects the passion and commitment necessary to make a profound impact in the lives of individuals she serves, and her continuing education and professional development signify her intent to stay at the forefront of social service innovations.