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Nicole Goines
Nicole Goines
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Nicole Goines

Department of Energy and Environment

Washington, DC USA

"Always think local first."

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Nicole's work combines: Government, Politics, and Communicating / Sharing Stories

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Day In The Life

Acting Public Information Officer

I oversee the communications and engagement for energy and environmental issues affecting the District of Columbia.

Skills & Education

Advice for getting started

I sometimes get really in my head with the pressure that I feel to do everything perfectly without failing, especially when I first started out on my public service journey. To this day, I'll still sometimes focus so much on trying not to fail that I actually end up hindering myself. I made a lot of connections during my first role on a campaign who helped bring me out of my shell, mentor me, and give me confidence in my work. I still lean on them for advice when I feel pressure or doubt.

Here's the path I took:

  • High School

  • Associate's Degree

    Political Science and Government, General

    Montgomery College

Life & Career Milestones

My path in life took a while to figure out

  • 1.

    I’ve had a strong love for helping people and improving my community from a young age.

  • 2.

    After high school, I ran for the Advisory Neighborhood Commission, a group of elected officials focused on mitigating hyperlocal issues.

  • 3.

    My experience with the Advisory Neighborhood Commission as well as an internship with Congressman Chris Van Hollen gave me great first-hand insight into civic engagement and the legislative process.

  • 4.

    I continued to gain government experience through legislative internships, campaign work, and organizing roles.

  • 5.

    I eventually joined the Federal City Council, where I worked to improve the District of Columbia through my roles in operations and communications.

  • 6.

    After a few years with the Federal City Council, I took on a role as an outreach and services specialist for the Mayor’s Office of Community Relations and Services.

  • 7.

    Those experiences in communications and outreach supported my transition to public-facing roles with the Department of Energy and Environment.

  • 8.

    I joined the Department of Energy and Environment as a public relations specialist and now work as acting public information officer.

Defining Moments

How I responded to discouragement

  • THE NOISE

    Messages from Myself:

    I can't fail. I need to get this right. What am I doing here?

  • How I responded:

    I sometimes get really in my head with the pressure that I feel to do everything perfectly without failing, especially when I first started out on my public service journey. To this day, I'll still sometimes focus so much on trying not to fail that I actually end up hindering myself. I made a lot of connections during my first role on a campaign who helped bring me out of my shell, mentor me, and give me confidence in my work. I still lean on them for advice when I feel pressure or doubt.