Cortney Nicolato ’01

President and CEO, United Way of Rhode Island

Cortney Nicolato ’01 is certain that she has the best job in Rhode Island.

“This state and its amazing people have given so much to me. Now I can help the state be its very best,” she says. “United Way brings together the community, the corporate sector, and nonprofits to do extraordinary things.” After 13 years in Texas, native Rhode Islander Nicolato returned to her home state last year to lead United Way of Rhode Island. She invites you to learn more about this important work at uwri.org.

Here, Nicolato shares some advice, answers, and insights.

Essential personality traits for success in your field:
Resilience is a critical part of working in a nonprofit. You have to adapt and respond to routinely changing needs.

Your path not taken:
I love business and was laser-focused on working in the for-profit sector. But I was taught to be a servant leader and community advocate, and that was missing for me. I still use every aspect of my URI finance degree, but now I’ve married it with my passion to serve.

“I still use every aspect of my
URI finance degree, but now
I’ve married it with my
passion to serve.”
—Cortney Nicolato

Best advice you ever received:
Always lead with integrity, even when that isn’t the easy road. Then you will always have confidence, because the work is about something greater than yourself.

Your advice for aspiring nonprofit leaders:
Don’t let perceived barriers get in your way. Push past them by putting yourself out there. Work hard, choose courage over comfort, and show the world that you are destined for greatness.

Recommended reading:
Anything by Brené Brown and Shawn Achor. And New Power: How Power Works in Our Hyperconnected World—and How to Make It Work for You by Jeremy Heimans and Henry Timms.

Best and worst work habits
Best: I’m good at staying calm, cool, and collected even in the toughest moments. That’s an important trait for any leader.
Worst: I believe in my work, so I struggle to “shut off.” Case in point: I am typing this at 11 p.m. on a Wednesday night!

Work fuel—Coffee or tea?
After 13 years living in the South—iced tea…all day.

Favorite object in your office:
The Army National Guard Minuteman Award, which I received in 2008 for my work with the American
Heart Association on the Decade of Health Campaign, which promoted healthy lifestyles for Army National Guardsmen and their families. It’s the most prestigious honor bestowed by the Guard to a civilian.

Hardest thing about your job:
Seeing the inequities Rhode Island families face saddens me. United Way is focused on building systems in the areas of education, housing, and financial stability that are equitable for all. It’s hard but necessary work.

Can’t get through a day without…
Hugs from Jacob and Ian, my two amazing kids.