Since our founding, advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility has been central to Montage’s work and culture. We are now strengthening that commitment with the appointment of Nichelle Hunter Nichols (she/her) as Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA).
Nichelle comes to Montage following a 24-year career in the United States Air Force where she most recently served as the Program Manager for the Air Force’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion. A passionate and results-oriented senior leader, she will further embed DEIA into all aspects of Montage’s organizational strategy and operations. Her work will also extend to clients, championing emerging DEIA opportunities and developing holistic approaches that inform and address inclusion, intersectionality, equity, unconscious bias, neurodiversity, accessibility, and shared understanding. Within her first 30 days at Montage, Nichelle has supported the seating of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Inclusive Diversity Council and DEIA orientation training, provided guidance on the development of several resource guides for military service members, and developed a foundational strategy for Montage’s embodiment of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility principles and practices.
Prior to joining Montage, Nichelle played an instrumental role in the implementation of the Department of the Air Force’s strategic vision, priorities, and initiatives for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, affecting over 680,000 Total Force Airmen and Guardians. She additionally coordinated the congressionally directed diversity and inclusion strategy in accordance with The White House Executive Orders and Congress via the FY2021 National Defense Authorization Act. Her achievements were recognized in 2021 with the Meritorious Service Medal, awarded for her exceptional leadership in facilitating DEI events and programs across the Department of the Air Force.
On top of her many career accolades, Nichelle has earned a Certificate in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University and a Certificate in Managing for Inclusion: Leveraging Diversity in the Workplace from Georgetown University. She is also a certified Project Management Professional.
“Nichelle’s experience, perspective, and openness stand to benefit Montage and our clients in innumerable and profound ways,” says CEO Mercedita Roxas-Murray. “While we have always strived to celebrate diversity, promote equity, and provide inclusive solutions, Nichelle is helping us work beyond recognized best practices and foster a culture of authentic collective action. We are already gaining from her leadership and very much look forward to pioneering DEIA impact for our clients and within our own organization.”
Nichelle’s appointment comes during a period of continued growth for Montage. Other recent hires include Julie Ault, Talent Acquisition and Retention Manager and Josh Perez, Tour Manager.