Nicole Goines
Acting Public Information Officer
Department of Energy and Environment
Washington, DC USA
“Always think local first.”
Videos
By Roadtrip NationNicole Goines
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
I’ve had a strong love for helping people and improving my community from a young age.
After high school, I ran for the Advisory Neighborhood Commission, a group of elected officials focused on mitigating hyperlocal issues.
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.
I continued to gain government experience through legislative internships, campaign work, and organizing roles.
I eventually joined the Federal City Council, where I worked to improve the District of Columbia through my roles in operations and communications.
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.
Those experiences in communications and outreach supported my transition to public-facing roles with the Department of Energy and Environment.
I joined the Department of Energy and Environment as a public relations specialist and now work as acting public information officer.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Career
Acting Public Information Officer
I oversee the communications and engagement for energy and environmental issues affecting the District of Columbia.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Government
Politics
Communicating / Sharing Stories
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for everyone
Always think local first. Find a civic association local to you that matches whatever cause you want to add your voice to. You can find meetups—whether at City Hall or in a church basement—with people who have the same values as you to get your foot in the door. If you're interested in environmental causes, for example, try finding a meetup that organizes community clean-ups. I also suggest attend meetings with your elected officials.
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Myself:
"I can't fail. I need to get this right. What am I doing here?"
Interviewed By
Serving Change
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