Nicole Anderson
CEO & Founder
In 2018, Nicole Anderson was inspired by her husband, Derrick Anderson Sr., to became the Founder and CEO of Nicole Anderson and Associates Consulting, LLC. She locked arms with researchers, practitioners, and experts in the field to deliver a unique systemic approach to providing professional development services that serve the needs of educators around the state of California and nation. Ultimately, she and her team strive to build the capacity of educational leaders in order to close educational gaps seen in the school system.
In 26 years of service in education, Nicole has served as a developer and facilitator of professional learning services as well as an advocate for educational leadership work in numerous ways around the nation. She held the position as the first Equity Executive in the history of the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) for almost four years. In this role, she led work focused on equity leadership including the facilitation of statewide professional learning for ACSA leaders and state board, coordination of the California Equity Leadership Alliance, as well as the development of affinity networks for administrators. Her work also included the development of a research team that provides research based content and conducts case studies of educational leaders around the state on their journey to closing educational gaps. As an ACSA member, she served as the Chair of ACSA’s Equity Committee (formerly called the EADS -Equity, Achievement, and Diversity for Success Committee) where she focused on leading the work of implementing a system that will effectively address the beliefs of ACSA in order to address the needs of students and leaders in California. Her work has truly carved a path for educational leaders to be empowered and equipped to build capacity to close educational gaps around the state and nation.
As a practitioner, Nicole served as an Elementary Principal in Vallejo, California where she also held numerous positions as a site administrator for 10 years. This included High School Assistant Principal/Dean and Vice Principal in Vallejo City Unified School District. She was also a Leadership Teacher, Spanish Teacher, Activities Director, and Varsity Girls Basketball Coach for 6 years at Jesse M. Bethel High School in Vallejo, which is named after her very own grandfather. She is honored and proud to stand on his shoulders as he paved the way for so many through becoming the first African American in numerous roles including Chemist on Mare Island Naval Shipyard in Vallejo, Ca., School Board President in Vallejo City Unified School District as well as the President of the California School Boards Association. Nicole follows in his footsteps as an advocate for students through multiple avenues.
In her current role a Consultant, she and team of Associates are successfully serving school boards, sites, districts, and county offices, in addition to superintendent search firms and education associations. The team also supports city and county government officials and staff while supporting the organizational development of executive leadership in multiple industries across the state of California and nation. Their systemic focus on safely and effectively supporting the work of their clients has been instrumental in “truly” ensuring that success is realized for human beings, both personally and professionally!
Nicole’s journey continues to be possible with the support of her husband of 24 years, Derrick Anderson, their three children, Trinity (21), Dj (18) and Isaiah (11) and a host of family and friends!
In 26 years of service in education, Nicole has served as a developer and facilitator of professional learning services as well as an advocate for educational leadership work in numerous ways around the nation. She held the position as the first Equity Executive in the history of the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) for almost four years. In this role, she led work focused on equity leadership including the facilitation of statewide professional learning for ACSA leaders and state board, coordination of the California Equity Leadership Alliance, as well as the development of affinity networks for administrators. Her work also included the development of a research team that provides research based content and conducts case studies of educational leaders around the state on their journey to closing educational gaps. As an ACSA member, she served as the Chair of ACSA’s Equity Committee (formerly called the EADS -Equity, Achievement, and Diversity for Success Committee) where she focused on leading the work of implementing a system that will effectively address the beliefs of ACSA in order to address the needs of students and leaders in California. Her work has truly carved a path for educational leaders to be empowered and equipped to build capacity to close educational gaps around the state and nation.
As a practitioner, Nicole served as an Elementary Principal in Vallejo, California where she also held numerous positions as a site administrator for 10 years. This included High School Assistant Principal/Dean and Vice Principal in Vallejo City Unified School District. She was also a Leadership Teacher, Spanish Teacher, Activities Director, and Varsity Girls Basketball Coach for 6 years at Jesse M. Bethel High School in Vallejo, which is named after her very own grandfather. She is honored and proud to stand on his shoulders as he paved the way for so many through becoming the first African American in numerous roles including Chemist on Mare Island Naval Shipyard in Vallejo, Ca., School Board President in Vallejo City Unified School District as well as the President of the California School Boards Association. Nicole follows in his footsteps as an advocate for students through multiple avenues.
In her current role a Consultant, she and team of Associates are successfully serving school boards, sites, districts, and county offices, in addition to superintendent search firms and education associations. The team also supports city and county government officials and staff while supporting the organizational development of executive leadership in multiple industries across the state of California and nation. Their systemic focus on safely and effectively supporting the work of their clients has been instrumental in “truly” ensuring that success is realized for human beings, both personally and professionally!
Nicole’s journey continues to be possible with the support of her husband of 24 years, Derrick Anderson, their three children, Trinity (21), Dj (18) and Isaiah (11) and a host of family and friends!
Testimonials
“We appreciate you and the work you are doing! One of the lead equity warriors in the state. Happy we could give a shout out to the powerful messages you convey. “-Cynthia Glover Woods: Chief Academic Officer, Riverside County Office of Education
“The pleasure was all ours! What an amazing presentation, and I loved how it was personalized for Peacock Acres. I've spoken to a few staff since you left and everyone has commented on how much they learned, as well as how much they enjoyed your presentation style. I found myself reflecting on many of the topics last night and on my drive to work this morning - you know it was a great training when you're still thinking about it the next day! As Anthony mentioned, I'm sure you have no shortage of requests to speak. We are so grateful that you offered to come support our staff - and by extension the children at Peacock Acres - despite our limited training budget. You really made an impact with us.”- Kelly Quackenbush, MPA; Director of Strategic Projects-Peacock Acres Foster Care Agency
“I was in your PD at LACOE last year and we began peer facilitation on equity at our high school as a result of your work. Due to our work, I was selected as District Teacher of the Year and I wanted to personally thank you for your guidance and conversations. We will be funded next year to do the work this year (last year my facilitators did it pro bono because they believed in the work) and I am now given the opportunity to share this work district-wide and train other teachers to be peer facilitators. Thank you!”-Joshua Moreno-Chair, World Languages, Alhambra High School, CA
“Congratulations on such an illustrative and impressive list of accomplishments. Truly, this would not have been possible if it were not for your leadership. You are a jewel in the crown of ACSA leaders. I truly appreciate and respect you for who you are and what you have been able to accomplish in such a short time.”-Stephanie Graham Rivas, ACSA Equity Committee Pioneer and Educational Consultant
“Please allow me the opportunity to congratulate and thank Nicole for her remarkable work around equity, and in particular, the recent Equity Pre-Conference at MidState. The event this past Friday was no less than brilliant! I wish that we had more attendees, and perhaps publicity from a new angle might help, but regardless, the work was focused, challenging, purposeful and engaging. Certainly, the content drove the day, but Nicole's planning, vision and leadership was the hallmark. Her fingerprints are all over this work, and as President, I continue to be incredibly proud of her. One member and I were reflecting on the event, and she said, "Nicole found the starting blocks and is blazing down the racetrack!" –Dr. Ralph Porras, ACSA Past President, Superintendent: Pacific Grove USD
“I wanted to drop you a line to let you know what a great job Nicole did last week with my Admin Team of Certificated and Classified leaders at our monthly meeting. My district has been engaging in the work of equity leadership for the past couple of years Nicole’s presentation really challenged our thinking to be more self- reflective as leaders and presented us with tools we could use to model that leadership with our respective staff members. My Cabinet Team and I have extended another invitation to Nicole to work with my leadership to engage in a deeper dive on the topic. We look forward to our future work with her.”-Dr. Sarah Koligian, ACSA Equity Committee Pioneer and Superintendent: Folsom Cordova USD
“Thank you for the opportunity to put together an action plan as well as share out, receive, and provide feedback with my colleagues.”-Lynwood USD Participant
“Thanks so much for all that you brought to and taught ACSA members. Those lessons now have impacted many more as the ideas are discussed, shared, and put into action. Best wishes for your new venture, know that you left countless more informed and equipped for the important work at hand.”-Nancy Aaberg, ACSA Member
"Vista Unified School Board has had a strong relationship with Nicole Anderson & Associates Consulting. If we are to make systemic change in our public education system, we need to start making policies and governing with an equity lens. Our Board is now more laser focused and committed to self growth because our students deserve the best. Thank you Nicole and Deborah for providing those critical tools to help us improve the conditions for all our students at Vista USD." -Cipriano Vargas, Board President, Vista Unified School District
"Good afternoon, Nicole – I wanted to follow up with you to let you know how much the Education Support Services team appreciated working with you. They loved your approach and facilitation on sensitive topics. Your ability to tap into other research and connect it to our work is impressive. It is unanimous that we value our equity work and want to continue our journey with you. This was loud and clear from all teams." -Miki Rene Inbody, Former Assistant Superintendent, Education Support Services San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools; current Superintendent of Fontana Unified School District.
“The pleasure was all ours! What an amazing presentation, and I loved how it was personalized for Peacock Acres. I've spoken to a few staff since you left and everyone has commented on how much they learned, as well as how much they enjoyed your presentation style. I found myself reflecting on many of the topics last night and on my drive to work this morning - you know it was a great training when you're still thinking about it the next day! As Anthony mentioned, I'm sure you have no shortage of requests to speak. We are so grateful that you offered to come support our staff - and by extension the children at Peacock Acres - despite our limited training budget. You really made an impact with us.”- Kelly Quackenbush, MPA; Director of Strategic Projects-Peacock Acres Foster Care Agency
“I was in your PD at LACOE last year and we began peer facilitation on equity at our high school as a result of your work. Due to our work, I was selected as District Teacher of the Year and I wanted to personally thank you for your guidance and conversations. We will be funded next year to do the work this year (last year my facilitators did it pro bono because they believed in the work) and I am now given the opportunity to share this work district-wide and train other teachers to be peer facilitators. Thank you!”-Joshua Moreno-Chair, World Languages, Alhambra High School, CA
“Congratulations on such an illustrative and impressive list of accomplishments. Truly, this would not have been possible if it were not for your leadership. You are a jewel in the crown of ACSA leaders. I truly appreciate and respect you for who you are and what you have been able to accomplish in such a short time.”-Stephanie Graham Rivas, ACSA Equity Committee Pioneer and Educational Consultant
“Please allow me the opportunity to congratulate and thank Nicole for her remarkable work around equity, and in particular, the recent Equity Pre-Conference at MidState. The event this past Friday was no less than brilliant! I wish that we had more attendees, and perhaps publicity from a new angle might help, but regardless, the work was focused, challenging, purposeful and engaging. Certainly, the content drove the day, but Nicole's planning, vision and leadership was the hallmark. Her fingerprints are all over this work, and as President, I continue to be incredibly proud of her. One member and I were reflecting on the event, and she said, "Nicole found the starting blocks and is blazing down the racetrack!" –Dr. Ralph Porras, ACSA Past President, Superintendent: Pacific Grove USD
“I wanted to drop you a line to let you know what a great job Nicole did last week with my Admin Team of Certificated and Classified leaders at our monthly meeting. My district has been engaging in the work of equity leadership for the past couple of years Nicole’s presentation really challenged our thinking to be more self- reflective as leaders and presented us with tools we could use to model that leadership with our respective staff members. My Cabinet Team and I have extended another invitation to Nicole to work with my leadership to engage in a deeper dive on the topic. We look forward to our future work with her.”-Dr. Sarah Koligian, ACSA Equity Committee Pioneer and Superintendent: Folsom Cordova USD
“Thank you for the opportunity to put together an action plan as well as share out, receive, and provide feedback with my colleagues.”-Lynwood USD Participant
“Thanks so much for all that you brought to and taught ACSA members. Those lessons now have impacted many more as the ideas are discussed, shared, and put into action. Best wishes for your new venture, know that you left countless more informed and equipped for the important work at hand.”-Nancy Aaberg, ACSA Member
"Vista Unified School Board has had a strong relationship with Nicole Anderson & Associates Consulting. If we are to make systemic change in our public education system, we need to start making policies and governing with an equity lens. Our Board is now more laser focused and committed to self growth because our students deserve the best. Thank you Nicole and Deborah for providing those critical tools to help us improve the conditions for all our students at Vista USD." -Cipriano Vargas, Board President, Vista Unified School District
"Good afternoon, Nicole – I wanted to follow up with you to let you know how much the Education Support Services team appreciated working with you. They loved your approach and facilitation on sensitive topics. Your ability to tap into other research and connect it to our work is impressive. It is unanimous that we value our equity work and want to continue our journey with you. This was loud and clear from all teams." -Miki Rene Inbody, Former Assistant Superintendent, Education Support Services San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools; current Superintendent of Fontana Unified School District.