Nicole Robinson-Etienne

About Nicole Robinson-Etienne

Government and community relations strategist and corporate social responsibility (CSR) executive with over 20 years of experience across nonprofit, government, and corporate sectors. Passionate about fostering strategic partnerships that empower underserved communities through collaborations with government, nonprofit, and community stakeholders. Extensive experience in managing government relations, including working with lobbyists and city agencies to advance high-profile initiatives. Led community engagement and corporate social responsibility programs, such the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Community Access Program — to provide free New York Aquarium admission to thousands of underserved families — and LinkNYC’s LinkLocal program, to provide free advertising for nonprofits and small businesses, with $4.3 million in ad value donated in 2024.Committed to creating meaningful collaborations that deliver measurable outcomes and lasting change.Career highlights include: Spearheading major projects like the rezoning and redevelopment of Coney Island, post-Hurricane Sandy rebuilding of the New York Aquarium, and the creation of the Integrated Health Hub in East New York. Transitioning to the corporate sector in 2022, earning the Intersection Media Employee MVP Award and the nationally recognized DPAA Rising Star Award in 2024. Overseeing LinkNYC’s LinkLocal program, which has provided more than $16 million in free advertising space for New York City-based small businesses, nonprofits, and social service organizations Named a Woman of Distinction by the Girl Scouts of Greater New York for lifelong dedication to youth empowerment and volunteerism.

Experience

1. Senior Director of External Affairs

   Intersection Co.

   Jan 2024 — Present

Education

• University of South Florida Muma College of Business

  Certificate in Diversity Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace

  2021 — 2021

• Fordham University

  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Political Science and Urban Studies

  1989 — 1993

• Disney Institute

  Professional Development Certficate, Leadership

• Northeastern University School of Law

  Doctor of Law (J.D.), Law

  1993 — 1996

Skills

• Community Outreach
• Grassroots Lobbying
• Public Policy
• Public Relations
• Nonprofits
• State Government
• Strategic Partnerships
• Direct Lobbying
• Public-Private Partnerships
• Event Planning
• Public Speaking
• Government Relations
• Community Partnership Development
• Community Engagement