Nicole Coakley, a doctoral student at National University, was recently named a 2025 Remarkable Woman of Western Massachusetts, an honor awarded annually during Women’s History Month to women who have significantly impacted public policy, social progress, and the quality of life in their communities.
The prestigious award reflects a calling rooted in purpose and personal growth. Coakley cites “Community contributions, self-achievement, and family impact” as the core strengths that helped her stand out for the award.
For Coakley, it wasn’t a straightforward path to earning it. After completing her cosmetology license, she pivoted and began working in early childhood education, sparking a decades-long career in the field. With experience ranging from program director to policy advocate, Coakley has led youth initiatives — helping build relationships between youth and law enforcement, plus leading a teen summit on gun violence — advocated for community policing, and championed equity for women and families, earning a law degree along the way.
She currently chairs the Hampden County Commission on the Status of Women and Girls and serves as a program supervisor at the Center for Human Development.
This combination of personal values and public service is what drives her forward. With her sights set on elected office, Coakley is determined to keep showing up for the people of Springfield, Massachusetts, and beyond.
Bringing Positivity to Public Office
Coakley’s long-term goal is clear: continue rising in the political sphere to become the kind of leader her community can count on. “I want to continue to work my way up in politics and be the change that we need in the world,” she says.
But her path hasn’t always been smooth, which is part of her strength. One of the most powerful pieces of advice she’s received came from her cosmetology teacher. “She always used a quote, ‘Your attitude will determine your altitude,’ so I’ve always walked with a smile on my face and stayed positive no matter what life threw at me,” Coakley says. That positive mindset continues to carry her through life’s highs and lows, and it's a mindset she hopes to bring into every room she enters.
As she prepares to complete her doctorate and campaign to become Springfield’s next City Councilor At-Large, Coakley is focused on impact, not just ambition. “I want to continue to encourage, unite, and help everyone,” she says.
Inspired by Resilience, Fueled by Purpose
Coakley draws inspiration from leaders who lead with heart and courage, especially Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell. “I look up to her because of her will to keep pushing and fight for what’s right,” she says. It’s a quality Coakley emulates in her own leadership style: persistent and purpose-driven, always with an eye towards justice.
The NSLS has helped her sharpen those strengths, crediting the NSLS program with improving key leadership attributes. “The workshops and activities… enhanced my communication and decision making abilities,” she says, tools that continue to serve her as both a student and a community leader.
To her, leadership is about authenticity and action. “Leadership means being able to inspire and guide others by practicing what you preach,” she says.
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Nicole’s Advice for Future Leaders
Coakley encourages aspiring leaders not to hide from their journeys, but to embrace and share them. “Never be ashamed of your story,” she says. “You’ll never know how your story will motivate someone else to keep pushing and not give up.”
Her message is one of hope, resilience, and service. Whether in politics, education, or everyday acts of kindness, Coakley believes leadership is about lifting others up while staying true to who you are.
As she continues building her future, she is going to continue doing just that: showing others what’s possible when purpose meets perseverance.
For more impactful leadership, see how one NSLS member used outside the box thinking and perseverance to help rebuild Ukraine during a time of war.
