<p>In the <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/bs-in-leadership-and-management.html" title="BS in Leadership and Management Studies">BS in Leadership and Management Studies</a> program at NYU SPS, students are part of a rigorous academic environment where they can develop essential skills in economics, managerial accounting, business finance, market efficiency, human resources, business law, leadership, and more. When they graduate, they are ready to take their place at the center of their chosen industries.</p> <p>Nicole Smart is one of those graduates who applies her NYU education to her current role as a diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) business strategist and educator. We couldn’t wait to speak with her and share her story with current and incoming students.</p>

<p>Hailing from Trinidad &amp; Tobago, Smart grew up in Brooklyn after immigrating to the United States. The transition posed challenges as she adjusted to a new culture while holding on to her roots. Hip-hop played a crucial role in helping her acclimate, providing a sense of belonging and community through its rhythms and lyrics.</p> <p>Smart's interests extend beyond music. She has a passion for traveling the world, a curiosity fueled by her immigrant experience. She values understanding and appreciating different cultures, having visited destinations like China, Switzerland, and Italy. These experiences continue to nurture her global perspective, much like her early days adapting to life in Brooklyn.</p>

<p>Smart was initially interested in NYU because the university’s flexibility allowed her to work full-time while completing her degree. NYU's prestigious reputation and the comprehensive course curriculum addressing leadership, management, and cultural diversity in business piqued her interest. The Seminar in Experiential Learning course, in particular, gave her the opportunity to integrate real-world applications into her studies, further enhancing her academic and professional growth.</p> <p>Balancing a full-time job with her studies at NYU was challenging but rewarding. Smart recalls rushing from work to class, and managing a packed schedule with evening and weekend classes. Despite these challenges, she was deeply committed to acquiring her bachelor’s degree to advance in the workplace.</p> <p>Serving as the managing director for the University Student Council (USC) was a transformative part of her student experience. Her involvement in the Communications Department led to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nyu.edu/employees/career-development/recognition-programs/service-award.html" title="NYU President's Service Award">NYU President's Service Award</a>, recognizing her distinguished achievements and commitment to civic engagement. This experience provided valuable insights into community, communication, and the importance of giving back.</p> <p>Like many BS in Leadership and Management Studies students, Smart was looking forward to gaining hands-on experience during her time at NYU. Her seminar in experiential learning allowed her to integrate practical projects based on her work experience, enriching her assignments and providing a deeper level of analysis. This combination of prior experience and experiential learning enabled her to produce high-quality work and gain a profound understanding of her coursework.</p>

<p>Smart currently works as a diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) business strategist and educator. Her time at NYU SPS was instrumental in preparing her for these roles. Courses such as&nbsp;<i>Introduction to Business Management, Critical Thinking, Managerial Decision Making, Corporate Culture and Organizational Learning, and Cultural Diversity in Business</i>&nbsp;provided a solid foundation. Additionally, attending various professional development programs allowed her to apply these concepts in practice.</p> <p>Smart embodies the principle of &quot;lifting as I rise,&quot; mentoring first-generation students, and serving on the executive committee for the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nyu.edu/alumni/get-involved/alumni-clubs/special-interest-clubs/nyu-womens-initiative.html" title="NYU Women's Initiative">NYU Women's Initiative</a>. She is also an active board member and former professional development chair for WISE (Women in Sports and Events) NYC Metro Chapter, empowering women to succeed in the business of sports. “NYU SPS equipped me with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in my field, and it continues to influence my approach to supporting DEIB, operational, and strategic initiatives today,” she adds.</p>

<p>Smart's career spans professional sports, Broadway, and founding a small business. She is particularly proud of her role as an educator at her alma mater, NYU, where she brings her perspective to the classroom. Smart is also honored to be a recipient of the 2024 Caribbean Life Impact Award, recognizing her contributions and achievements as an individual of Caribbean background.</p> <p>While considering advanced education, Smart aims to deepen her impact through hands-on experiences and real-world challenges. Embracing new opportunities and exploring innovations will empower her to make a meaningful difference in the organizations and communities she serves.</p>

<p>Smart advises incoming NYU SPS students to take full advantage of the resources and opportunities available.</p> <p>She also has several leadership and management book recommendations. One of them is&nbsp;<i>Gravitas: The 8 Strengths That Redefine Confidence&nbsp;</i>by Lisa Sun, which she says is a compelling playbook for building confidence as a woman in business. She also recommends&nbsp;<i>Own the Arena: Getting Ahead, Making a Difference, and Succeeding as the One</i>&nbsp;by Katrina M. Adams and&nbsp;<i>Women Mentoring Women: Strategies and Stories to Lift As We Rise</i>&nbsp;by Michelle Ferguson. Check out Smart's recent work with&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/JuiZIMsmn7w?si=LIG4C_rwJomQtOnr" title="Cornell">Cornell</a>.</p> <p>Ready to step into your power as a future business leader? Join the ranks of inspiring students like Smart when you pursue a&nbsp;<a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/bs-in-leadership-and-management.html" title="BS in Leadership and Management Studies">BS in Leadership and Management Studies</a>&nbsp;at NYU SPS.</p>