Tech Queen: Nichole Austion –Vice President of Public Affairs at National Math and Science Initiative

Building on more than 20 years of proven success in marketing, Nichole Austion, MBA, has served as vice president of public affairs for the National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI) since 2022. She originally joined NMSI in 2020 as director of marketing communications, quickly rising to senior director before taking on her current role. Nichole oversees a government affairs team responsible for nurturing NMSI's relationships with federal and state entities, as well as individual public-sector stakeholders. Her team ensures compliance with government regulations and supports the strategic goals of the organization.

Before joining NMSI, Nichole honed her marketing expertise in various leadership roles. She was the director of marketing and communications at Lighthouse Academies and served as a senior marketing manager at both Secureworks and Acuity Brands. Nichole's career includes 12 years at Teradata Corporation, where she advanced from senior industry marketing manager to director of industry marketing. Prior to transitioning to marketing, Nichole pursued engineering, including a two-year stint at IBM, where she discovered her talent for breaking down complex technical concepts into easily understandable terms.

Nichole’s professional success is rooted in a strong academic background. She holds a Bachelor of Science in computer science and engineering from Howard University and earned an MBA from the Texas McCombs School of Business in 1995. She has also bolstered her expertise with certifications in nonprofit organization management and inbound marketing. Nichole credits her education in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) as a key factor in her career achievements.

An active member of the National Black MBA Association, Nichole continues to share her insights and learn from peers with similar backgrounds. In 2024, she was named Innovator of the Year by the Women’s Empowerment Ministry, a recognition she considers her most significant accomplishment. This award was tied to a program she organized that featured a space capsule exhibit and a panel with six Black astronauts at Martha’s Vineyard. Through this initiative, Nichole helped raise awareness among middle-class African American families about the presence of Black astronauts, a possibility that many had not previously considered.

In addition to her executive roles, Nichole is a strong advocate for STEM education. She published her first children’s book, Miles and the Math Monsters, in 2024, which helps children overcome their fear of math in a fun and engaging way. Her commitment to community service is evident in her board memberships with Georgia Agape Inc., College Ready Now, and the Greater Atlanta Christian School Parent Association. She has also contributed to civic engagement as an elections issuing clerk in Gwinnett County and supported fundraising efforts for Greater Atlanta Christian School.

Outside of her professional life, Nichole is a devoted wife and mother. In her leisure time, she enjoys reading, writing, and traveling with her family.

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