Learn more about Nicole

Favorite restaurant: 

Pastabilities in Syracuse. I love the downtown vibe, exposed brick walls, seasonal offerings, and the fact that you almost always bump into someone you know. Wait, did I forget to mention the house-made stretch bread and spicy tomato dipping oil? My willpower goes out the window!

Ideal day off from work:

Even a day off begins with a morning run. After that, I’d head out with my family to explore the area for some sort of seasonal activity. The day winds down with some great takeout and a chill night at home to unwind. 

One thing you do every weekend without fail: 

Deep clean my kitchen. Not exciting (I know) but truly necessary.

Always start the workday with: 

An open mind and a positive attitude…and a big mug  brimming with strong coffee.

Best book you've ever read / Books you always recommend:

I’ve been an avid reader my whole life (I have a newspaper article written about the fact that I read over 70 books the summer before 2nd grade)! My favorite fiction book is “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale-Hurston, which moved me when I first read it in college, and once a year I read a battered copy of Shakespeare’s Macbeth because I love it so much.

My college degree is in:

Communications/Public Relations (BA) and English (MA).

Favorite travel spot to-date:

Rome, Italy, which I am fortunate enough to have visited on multiple occasions, including my honeymoon more than 20 years ago!

Professional advice you were once given that you'd continue to give to others:

Always make your work personal, but accept that success and failure are both possible outcomes. Be confident and strong enough to know the difference between making it personal and taking it personally.