2025 40 Under 40 Winners

Nicole led the strategic expansion of five Seacrest Studios in major pediatric hospitals, overseeing every phase from hospital selection to architectural planning and construction logistics. She is currently managing two more studio builds in progress. 

She launched and produced a benefit concert at Seattle Children’s Hospital in collaboration with KEXP Radio, exceeding initial fundraising goals by 450% through corporate sponsorships and donor engagement. 

After just two weeks at CHOC Children’s Foundation, Nicole assumed leadership of a team and $2.4 million portfolio, increasing revenue from $1.9 million despite having no prior management experience. As the youngest member on Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s transition committee, Nicole developed and executed over 90 donor marketing projects annually during a major institutional split, raising $1.8 million through rebuilt donor pipelines and newly crafted appeals. 

My path to healthcare philanthropy was driven by a deep belief in the power of human connection—and the idea that healing extends far beyond medicine. I’ve always been inspired by the resilience of patients and families facing unimaginable challenges, and I wanted to play a part in creating moments of light in those difficult times.

I was lucky enough to intern with Seattle Children's Hospital foundation team in college and learn from some of the best in the business, it completely changed my goals post-graduation.

What drew me specifically to this field was the opportunity to help bridge compassion with impact. In healthcare, the stakes are high, and the need is constant. Philanthropy allows for innovation, creativity, and human-centered care in ways that traditional funding often can't support. Whether it’s launching a program that lifts a child’s spirit during treatment or investing in technology that changes outcomes, I saw philanthropy as a way to deliver both hope and tangible change.

When I began a new job in my 20s, I expected a learning curve—but I didn’t expect full staff turnover within my first month. What could’ve felt like a setback became one of the most transformative leadership experiences of my career.

With no “how it's always been done” playbook to follow, I was forced to listen deeply, build trust quickly, and get comfortable making decisions in ambiguity. I learned to lead not by authority, but by clarity, collaboration, and shared purpose.

My greatest passion is helping patients tap into their creativity and imagination as a powerful part of the healing process. I've seen firsthand how storytelling, music, art, and play can lift spirits, reduce fear, and restore a sense of normalcy and joy—even in the most clinical settings. Whether it’s through a live studio broadcast, a creative activity at the bedside, or simply encouraging a child to dream beyond their hospital room, I believe imagination is more than an escape—it’s a tool for resilience and healing.

Start by listening — deeply and often. Today’s healthcare landscape is evolving rapidly, with rising patient needs, workforce challenges, and increased scrutiny around how institutions show impact. The most successful healthcare philanthropists are those who understand the heart of the hospital — its people, its patients, and its purpose.