Nicole Wilett
About Nicole Wilett
Nicole Wilett is a seasoned press officer with extensive experience in strategic planning and global advocacy. She has held various influential positions, including Chief of Staff at Open Society Foundations and Senior Professional Staff Member at the United States Senate.
Current Role at U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants
Nicole Wilett has served as a Press Officer at the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants since 2005. In this role, she focuses on communication strategies to raise awareness about refugee and immigrant issues. Her responsibilities include managing media relations, crafting press materials, and ensuring effective messaging around the organization's initiatives.
Experience at Open Society Foundations
Nicole Wilett worked at Open Society Foundations as Chief of Staff from 2019 to 2024. During her five years in this position in New York, she collaborated with the president and senior leadership to align organizational strategies. She oversaw internal communications and governance, contributing to the foundation's mission of promoting human rights and social justice.
Previous Positions in Government and Nonprofit Sectors
Wilett has held several significant roles in government and nonprofit organizations. She served as a Senior Professional Staff Member on the Foreign Relations Committee in the United States Senate from 2013 to 2014. Additionally, she was a Deputy Director at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation from 2017 to 2019, and she worked at the National Security Council at the White House in various capacities from 2010 to 2013.
Educational Background and Qualifications
Nicole Wilett holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Syracuse University, where she studied Psychology, African Studies, and Women's Studies. She also earned a Master of Public Affairs in International Relations from Indiana University Bloomington. In 2023, she completed a Chief of Staff Certificate from Harvard Business School Executive Education, enhancing her management skills.
Expertise in Global Advocacy and Strategic Planning
Wilett has extensive experience in strategic planning and execution of global grantmaking and advocacy agendas. She has a strong background in African affairs and has worked to advance international human rights, democracy, and gender equality. Her career reflects a commitment to effective advocacy and partnership building across various sectors.