About this speaker
Nicole combines legal acumen with a strong commitment to community and empowerment. As Senior Counsel at Instacart, she skillfully navigates complex legal challenges and also serves as a Co-Lead of the Women@ Employee Resource Group, Instacart’s largest ERG at over 1000 members strong. Under her leadership, the ERG has implemented transformative initiatives, including the debut of its mentorship program, further bolstering Instacart’s commitment to supporting its women workforce.
An alumna of Punahou School, Nicole pursued Cognitive Science at the University of Pennsylvania before earning a law degree from Columbia Law School. Her career trajectory took her to law firms and federal clerkships in New York and San Francisco before returning home to Hawaii. Here, she has contributed to the legal landscape through diverse roles in private practice, at Kamehameha Schools, and through teaching at the Richardson School of Law.
Nicole's community service complements her professional endeavors. Her role as past resident and active board member of Hawaii Women Lawyers underscores her advocacy for women in the legal profession. As a facilitator for the Hawaii State Bar Association’s annual Leadership Institute, Nicole helps foster the development of the next generation of legal leaders. Through the Access to Justice Commission’s Pro Bono Committee, she works to democratize legal access. Nicole’s long-standing directorship at Aloha Harvest reflects her broader commitment to community welfare. She also extends her expertise as a mentor with Blue Startups, helping to elevate the tech startup environment in Hawaii.
On the personal front, Nicole's heart is centered around her three delightful keiki: Dylan, Danica, and Dane, who infuse her life with joy, energy, and perspective.
