Nicole Coakley: UCS Network Coordinator Highlight
Nicole Coakley is a trailblazer who embodies the essence of resilience and leadership. Growing up in Charleston, South Carolina, she navigated the challenges of being the only daughter with six brothers and of shaping her own educational path with determination and grit. After graduating from high school, she took a leap of faith, moving to Springfield, Massachusetts, to reunite with her mother and pursue higher education.
“I kind of navigated through life in my own way, trying to figure out what's next. I just like to help. I always wanted to do something I could relate to,” said Coakley.
Recently, Coakley’s extraordinary journey was celebrated when she was nominated, along with 12,000 other nominees, for the prestigious Remarkable Women Award—an honor that her hard work earned. This recognition placed her among a group of 125 like-minded women whose passion and achievements are transforming communities. Through this experience, she connected with other remarkable leaders, each bringing unique perspectives and a shared drive for making a difference. Coakley is one of the first women from Springfield to be selected for this award and is recognized for her efforts in community service, policy, and education.
“I just love this whole network of a bunch of women leaders who want to do good within their community and just be able to give back. It just felt so at home for me, because they share my passions,” said Coakley.
The Remarkable Women Award, a nationwide initiative by Nexstar Media Group, shines a spotlight on women who have made significant contributions to public policy, social progress, and the betterment of society. As part of this recognition, all 125 nominees received a $1,000 donation for a nonprofit of their choice, further amplifying their impact.
In her role as Union Capital Springfield (UCS) Network Coordinator for nearly two years, Coakley has been a passionate advocate for community outreach and marketing. She loves to work directly with people but also behind the scenes, doing a lot of the complicated outreach work to connect people to vital resources in communities.
“If you’re passionate about it, I am, too. I’m a helper,” she shared, underscoring her collaborative spirit.
Coakley’s impressive academic journey reflects her dedication to higher education and personal growth. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Business Administration with a concentration in Organizational Leadership at Northcentral University. Her dissertation, which explores the experiences of Women of Color in Political Leadership and the Effects of Work-Life Balance, resonates deeply as she campaigns for a City Council seat in Springfield, Massachusetts. She aims to see more representation of women in leadership positions and to empower women of color to take on these roles. Coakley has also attended Ultrasound Diagnostic School (Medical Assistant), Holyoke Community College (Human Service), Springfield Technical Community College for her Associate’s Degree in Law Enforcement and Director II Early Childhood certification, and Cambridge College to secure her Bachelor’s degree in Human Service and a Master of Education in Psychology and Counseling. On top of all of that, Coakley is also a member of The National Society of Leadership and Success (Sigma Alpha Pi), the largest collegiate leadership Honor Society in the United States.
Beyond academics and community service, Coakley serves as Chair of the Hampden County Commission on the Status of Women and Girls, a Board of Trustees member at Libertas Academy Charter School, and a board member for organizations like the YMCA of Greater Springfield, Pioneer Valley Row Club, and the Performance Project. Coakley also serves as a Comittee Member of Baystate Health Quality and Equity.
Reflecting on her journey, Coakley credits her involvement with UCS for providing her the support and confidence to push for greater change.
“Having talks with Eric [Leslie] or Tito [Roberto Martinez] is really important for the support. They let you know that they’re not there for photo ops, they really want to support you and see you be successful. They don’t want to hold you back, they want to see you move forward,” said Coakley.
As a single mother of five, Coakley cherishes her role as a parent, drawing inspiration from her children as she balances her many responsibilities. Her future goals are as ambitious as they are impactful. In addition to running for a City Council seat, she plans to establish the People’s Round Robin Foundation—a global nonprofit focused on community organization. One of her initiatives involves collecting toys in Massachusetts to bring joy to children in Jamaica, ensuring they experience the magic of Christmas.
“This is vital to our community, uniting everybody together,” she remarked, emphasizing the importance of connecting local communities to meaningful resources.
Nicole Coakley’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, community connection, and a vision for change. Her story continues to inspire others, proving that with dedication and heart, remarkable achievements are within reach.