Nicole Hayden, founder of Angles Selfie Museum, describes herself as a serial entrepreneur, but her love for Louisville has driven her most recent nonprofit venture.
In 2019, Hayden became the founder and president of Friends of Nicole 50/50 Mentoring Collaborative Inc., which pairs Black girls with prominent Black women with diverse careers. The program addresses educational disparities, provides positive role models, career and skill development, and promotes social justice and global education.
“After winning the title of Ms. Plus America in 2014, I took the initiative, you know, a little bit more personal because I’ve seen a lot of our Black and brown babies getting murdered or getting punished in the school system,” Hayden said.
“I was the Black girl who had a loud voice, carried a big personality, and at times was frowned upon negatively; it was important for me to start 50/50 Mentoring Collaborative with the mindset to try to help other young girls like me thrive.”
50/50 Mentoring addresses educational disparities, especially among marginalized communities.