Nicole A. Garrett
In the vibrant tapestry of New York City, countless individuals work diligently behind the scenes, often without recognition. Among these unsung heroes stands Nicole Garrett, a dedicated educator with two decades of experience shaping young minds. Nicole's journey began as a teacher, where she wore the official title with pride. For 20 years, she passionately educated 4-6 year-olds, covering all subject areas and ensuring a holistic approach to learning. Holding a Master's degree in early childhood education, Nicole's credentials also boasted a certification to teach pre-K through 6th grade. Her path into this noble profession was ignited by a few college classes that deeply resonated with her, sparking an interest that turned into a lifelong passion.
Throughout her teaching career, Nicole was driven by a profound mission: to empower the underserved and underprivileged populations of New York City. Her aim was to help these young students recognize their inherent greatness and potential. However, like many educators, she observed more waste in the system than lack, a disparity that highlighted the need for societal involvement and volunteering to bridge the gap. Nicole faced her fair share of challenges, one of the most significant being the social-emotional behaviors in children that sometimes hindered their learning. Yet, the rewards far outweighed the challenges. For Nicole, there was no greater joy than witnessing the expanding minds of her students, observing their curiosity grow and knowledge deepen.
Teaching instilled in Nicole invaluable life lessons. She learned the essence of resilience, the power of dreaming big, and the undying spirit of hope. However, the COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges. The shift from remote to hybrid teaching tested her adaptability and patience, yet she persevered. And while she wishes to dispel some myths about the profession — such as the misconception that teachers enjoy paid summers off — she emphasizes that the 10-month salary teachers receive is spread across the entire year, a decision made collectively years ago.
Nicole's dedication to her students was unwavering. But her journey took a turn when she was forced to resign from her position. Her religious exemption for the mandated COVID-19 vaccine was denied, leading her to take legal action against the city. Yet, adversity often paves the way for new beginnings. During this transitional phase, Nicole co-founded Business Minds Collaborative Inc.. Born from a chat with a friend about their shared tendency to start but not finish projects, the duo decided to hold each other accountable. From weekly zoom meetings to setting and achieving small goals, their initiative blossomed into a supportive community for like-minded entrepreneurs.
Today, Business Minds Collaborative Inc. stands as a beacon for budding entrepreneurs, guiding them to establish solid foundations for their ventures. Nicole's story serves as a testament to the spirit of New York — resilient, adaptable, and ever-evolving. As we shine a light on the unsung heroes of NYC, Nicole Garrett's dedication to both education and entrepreneurship reminds us of the immense impact one individual can make on their community.
