Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Lynn.
Hi Nicole, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I always wanted to start a nonprofit, and my initial vision was to create this nonprofit as a summer program that provided inner-city youth with new experiences and culturally enriching activities. My original goal was to enter the nonprofit sector to gain valuable experience with the aim of launching my program in 7-10 years. Upon diving into nonprofit fundraising, I discovered a natural talent and developed a genuine passion for the work. However, what took me by surprise was the prevalence of implicit bias, prejudice, and discrimination within the sector, not only from potential donors but also from my colleagues. Despite my disappointment, I remained determined to succeed in the nonprofit sector. Faced with the challenges of micro-aggressions and daily retaliation, I actively sought a mentor, specifically a Black woman, to guide me in coping and thriving in this demanding environment. Unfortunately, I could not find a mentor to help me through these turbulent times, eventually leading me to pivot my focus and giving rise to The Collective Identity Mentoring to address the specific needs of Black girls through mentorship, as I had been disappointed by the lack of Black female mentors. In 2020, at the onset of the pandemic, I began working on The Collective Identity Mentoring, driven by the vision of supporting and empowering Black girls. I recruited board members and other volunteers through cold outreach, reaching out to individuals I believed would be interested in joining the mission. For two years during the pandemic, we worked virtually to develop a comprehensive program, offering 360 degrees of support to Black girls and gender-expansive youth ages 13-25.
Our journey began at L.A Grind, a local coffee shop, where we launched with four girls attending USC. The owner, Vanessa, generously donated her space for our weekly confabs (essentially workshops). As word spread, our impact grew. We expanded our cohort from 4 to 6 girls, relocated to the Price Building near USC, and continued our confabs. The momentum surged further, leading to a partnership with a student organization on the USC campus. Our cohort size expanded from 6 to 15 youth, with an ever-growing waiting list. Currently, our confabs are hosted at the heart of the USC campus at the CBCSA, marking the continued success and reach of The Collective Identity Mentoring. It still amazes me that as I look back that I found my true calling amid one of the most challenging times of my life.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Oh, smooth would be the last word to describe this journey. At the outset, my foray into this realm was marked by limited fundraising experience, relying solely on a natural talent. I had no background in programming or the intricacies of board operations. I was stepping into uncharted territory, determined to break away from the conventional nonprofit mold and disrupt established norms. The early days were rife with trial and error, navigating the complexities of various personalities, all while endeavoring to evolve into an effective and compassionate leader. The challenge was amplified by the task of conceptualizing and implementing an unprecedented program like The Collective Identity Mentoring (TCI). The road has been anything but smooth, but each obstacle has been a valuable lesson in resilience and innovation- which has been well worth it!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
Before venturing into the nonprofit sector, my professional journey was rooted in sales and music licensing. I had the privilege of working for industry giants like BMG and Universal Music, as well as smaller music companies. It was at BMG that I encountered my first set of mentors, starting with Liz from HR. Despite lacking a college degree, she recommended me for a pivotal job that altered the course of my life.
Beginning as an account executive at BMG Music, I met Dennis, my first mentor and manager, whose impact on my life transcended the professional realm, evolving into a lasting friendship. Dennis instilled in me the importance of relationship-building, teaching me that sales go beyond the product and emphasizing the significance of trust and compassion in business. Through his guidance, I discovered my untapped potential and returned to school, becoming the first in my family to earn a college degree.
This transformative experience revealed my innate ability to forge meaningful connections. My personality, tenacity, and acquired knowledge became distinguishing skill sets, propelling me to strive for expertise in all endeavors. Today, I take pride in the journey that led me to break barriers, not only becoming an expert in my field but also using my skills to create positive change in the nonprofit sector with The Collective Identity Mentoring.
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
One surprising aspect that many might not be aware of is the profound impact that each TCI mentee has on me every single day. They are carried in my heart and mind, influencing every personal and professional decision I make. Their presence is a constant guiding force, prompting me to consider how I would advise them to respond or handle a given situation. When confronted with adversity, it’s them that I often reflect upon the most. I ask myself how I would want Lidiya or Mika to handle this. Or how would I behave if Helen or Ayonnah were present? TCI has seamlessly woven itself into the fabric of my psycho-social and emotional DNA, becoming an integral and deeply personal aspect of my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thecllectiveidentity.org
- Instagram: instagram.com/thecollectiveidentity
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecollectiveidentity
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-collective-identity-mentoring/
