Portrait by ChiChi Ubiña
YWCA Greenwich will be holding its 5th Annual Women Who Inspire Awards to recognize exceptional women in our community. YWCA Greenwich’s Women Who Inspire Awards was established to recognize and celebrate outstanding women who have excelled in philanthropic, professional, and volunteer pursuits. Importantly, these honorees have enriched the lives of many in our community. This event acknowledges the changes in society that have led to the fluidity of work/life pursuits for women of today.
For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
Nicole Mitchell holds a BS in Business Administration from Concordia College and will receive her master’s degree in Early Childhood Education in the spring of 2023 from Manhattanville College. After beginning her career in finance as Assistant Treasurer of the Bank of New York, Nicole joined the faculty at Greenwich Country Day School, where she taught for 13 years
Nicole’s deep understanding of the value and importance of education has guided both her career and philanthropic work. She is the Executive Director of SPIDACARES, a foundation established by NBA All-Star Donovan Mitchell to positively impact families and communities through education and athletics. SPIDACARES and the Mitchell family have touched the lives of many across the country, as well as in the Fairchester community providing computers to students in Bridgeport, building basketball courts for Children’s Village in Dobbs Ferry, and supporting the financial aid program at Greenwich Country Day School through the largest gift to date in the school’s history for scholarships and a new athletic center. Recognizing that access to safe, stable housing is a foundation for success, Nicole launched “Welcome Home by SPIDACARES” in collaboration with Inspirica in Stamford, CT, to support the effort to end homelessness.
Nicole recently joined the Board of Trustees at Greenwich Country Day School, bringing her knowledge not only as a former faculty member but also as a parent of two graduates: Jordan-Elise, GCDS Class of 2017, a junior at American University, where she plays Division I lacrosse; and Donovan, GCDS Class of 2012, an NBA player for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Her current philanthropic work also extends through her role as a member of The Links, Incorporated, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., where she has served in numerous leadership positions for the Omicron Upsilon Omega Chapter.
Nicole’s commitment is inspired by the life of her own mother, Blossom, who moved to the United States from Panama determined to provide better opportunities for her children and grandchildren. This ethos is embodied in Donovan’s message of “Determination Over Negativity” and is at the heart of Nicole’s dedication to help others who are striving to build a better life for their family.