Meet Nicole Lynn

 

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nicole Lynn a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Nicole , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

I can’t say that I found my purpose so much as my purpose found me. I’ve always been good with kids and have mentored girls in my family, so that was my gift. My purpose, however, found me through one of the most challenging times in my life. I entered the nonprofit sector because I wanted to be part of the change in my community. Unfortunately, I encountered an ugly truth about philanthropy that is rarely spoken of: implicit bias and racism. I experienced targeted racism from a manager. It wasn’t the typical microaggressions we often hear about, but a direct and targeted form of misogynoir that was extremely difficult for me to handle.

During this traumatic experience, which caused my hair to fall out and led to the development of hand eczema—an autoimmune disease brought on by stress—I sought mentors to help me navigate this labyrinth of hatred while still finding a way to thrive. When I could not find a Black woman to mentor and help me through this, I realized the need for an organization that mentors Black girls and helps them develop the skills necessary for future success. This realization was the catalyst for founding The Collective Identity.

I eventually filed a claim against my company, and my lawyers, Lisa and Sarah Bloom, were fantastic in supporting me. Through this journey, I found my purpose: to create a supportive and empowering space for Black girls to thrive despite the systemic challenges they may face.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I run a nonprofit that mentors Black girls, currently working with 15 girls from USC. Each mentee receives one-on-one mentorship and attends confabs (our version of workshops) every two weeks. During these sessions, we discuss a wide range of topics, from financial literacy to Black hair. We also organize excursions that allow our mentors and mentees to bond while participating in fun activities within the community, such as sound baths and Laker games. I love what we do because we’re creating a network, a support system, a space for discussion, and new experiences all within one organization. Most importantly, our program participants are extremely important to us.

Currently, we’re hosting a fundraiser to raise $25,000 to keep our program running. We are looking for support in various ways, including donating to our fundraiser or buying merchandise from our website. It’s a great way to support our organization and ensure we continue to make a positive impact on the lives of these young women.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Oh, I love this question! I would say:

If you get knocked down, you get back up.
Give yourself grace; without it, it’s a long struggle.
Learn to embrace the mistake.
Once I learned these things, life became much more palatable because I was able to learn and never quit. My advice: don’t give up on your dream. No matter what, do not quit. If you learn these three things, you will be able to navigate the most difficult times in your journey. Mistakes, accidents, and bad decisions happen. Allowing yourself grace as you go through those times, embracing the lesson in the mistake, and realizing that no matter what, you will not give up on your hopes and dreams of achieving your goals will help you persevere.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

The most impactful thing my mother (and Oprah, lol) taught me is that you should always believe in and submit to something bigger than yourself. I understood that life was about a greater purpose and what it means to rely on something beyond my own capabilities. This belief has guided me through many challenges and has been a cornerstone of my resilience and determination.

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