Nicol Cancelmo
About Nicol Cancelmo
Nicol Cancelmo is a co-founder of OCOA, a curly hair care brand, and has extensive experience in digital marketing and public relations. Originally from Santo Domingo, she has dedicated her career to promoting clean hair care products and supporting her community.
Work at OCOA - Curly Hair Care
Nicol Cancelmo serves as the Co-Founder of OCOA - Curly Hair Care, a brand established in Reading, PA, in 2018. The company focuses on providing hair care products that utilize high-end, clean, and minimal ingredients sourced from the Dominican Republic. Nicol co-founded OCOA with her sister Cory, driven by a passion for embracing natural hair textures. The brand aims to empower individuals to celebrate their natural curls and has been featured in various publications, including BeLatina and PopSugar.
Education and Expertise
Nicol Cancelmo studied at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks, where she earned a Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc) in Business Administration and Management from 2009 to 2013. She also attended Georgetown University, achieving a social media certification in 2018. With nine years of experience in digital marketing, public relations, and event organization, Nicol has developed a strong foundation in marketing strategies, particularly in the context of wealth management technology.
Background and Early Life
Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Nicol Cancelmo immigrated to the USA in 2003. Growing up, she experienced challenges related to her natural hair texture, which led her to straighten her hair with a flat iron at high temperatures during her high school and college years. Nicol's journey to embrace her natural curls reflects her personal growth and cultural identity, particularly significant in Latino culture as she moved out of her family home.
Professional Experience
Nicol Cancelmo has held various positions in her career, including her current role as a Marketing Manager at SEI, where she has worked since 2017. She focuses on assisting banking institutions with their wealth management technology. Prior to this, she worked in multiple roles at SEI, including as a Supervisor and Accountant II in Investment Fund Services. Nicol has also participated in several cohorts and initiatives, such as Breakthrough Philly 2022 and the Amika x SoGal Rooted in Growth 2023 Cohort.
Community Involvement and Initiatives
Nicol Cancelmo is actively involved in community initiatives, notably the Helping Hermanas initiative, through which she has donated over 300 full-size hair care products to support individuals in need. Her commitment to community service aligns with her passion for empowering others, particularly within the Latina community. This involvement reflects her dedication to making a positive impact through her work and personal values.