I’m Nicole Howard and I’m so excited to join Advance CTE as the new Communications Associate! I’ll be helping to implement our communications strategy and supporting states in their communications and advocacy efforts.
I have a background in communications related to the field of education. I was raised by a family of educators and have always viewed education as something every student should have equal access to. I was enrolled in the Summer Transition Enrichment Program (STEP) at American University (AU) that gave me a head start on my undergraduate education. My junior year at AU, I served as the STEP Assistant. In this role, I was able to help first-generation and minority students begin their college career with the resources and support they needed. I was impacted by watching them grow and truly succeed their own goals. Since then I’ve gained communications experience working with education-focused companies including corporate, nonprofit and postsecondary sectors. I believe writing helps to elevate the voices that need to be heard.
I believe access to a CTE program can help put students on a pathway to postsecondary and career that can benefit their future well-being as an adult. I am excited to advocate for CTE because I believe the more opportunities presented to a student the more hopeful they may become about their future and energized to complete their secondary education.
Nicole Howard, Communications Advocate