Nicole Jacobs-Silvey

Nicole Jacobs Silvey is a coach, consultant, speaker and writer but above all, she is a connector. Driven by a desire to connect people to their purpose and passion so they can reach their potential, Nicole founded Connection Coach KC, a firm focusing on executive coaching and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) consulting. Nicole is also a sought-after speaker and writer with an expertise in topics related to DEI, leadership development and women’s empowerment.

Connection Coach KC (CCKC) utilizes a listen-learn-lead approach that engages clients in crucial content, strategy and action. Nicole meets clients where they are while challenging assumptions, identifying blind spots and encouraging personal reflection and action. CCKC’s antiracism work is rooted in the history of oppression with a focus on dismantling systemic racism.

Nicole’s most celebrated DEI work is in not-for-profit board development. After over 20 years in the not-for-profit sector, she was inspired to develop a training series called At the Table that focuses on fostering a board culture of inclusive leadership and shared power that promotes the intentional recruitment and retention of people from diverse backgrounds.

CCKC’s strengths lie in content delivery and facilitation as well as program design. Topics such as implicit bias, allyship, pipeline-building and the history of oppression are areas of expertise for the firm and provide the foundation for DEI strategy.

A former leadership development coach for the Kauffman Scholars program, Nicole returned to Kauffman Scholars as a coach in their BIPOC coaching program. In this role, she worked specifically with BIPOC young professionals to equip them with the skills to navigate complex work situations that stem from inequities in the workplace.

Nicole is also the Co-Founder of the Sisters’ Circle GKC, a giving circle for Black women, and the Rise Tribe, a group of Black women who hosted a podcast addressing the unique complexities of life for people of color. In addition, she co-hosts The Roundtable, a dialogue series that convenes community in crucial conversations.

She is active on several boards and committees such as: The Coterie Theatre, KC Rising’s DEI Advisory Committee, KC Ballet’s Education and Engagement Committee, Executive Women’s Leadership Council (Greater Kansas City Chamber), C3KC Community Advisory Committee (Junior League) and St. Peter’s Catholic School Board of Directors. A servant leader at heart, Nicole is passionate about philanthropy and volunteerism.

Nicole was selected to the 2018 Class of Rising Stars (The Independent Magazine) and was also named the 2018 Emerging Volunteer by NonProfit Connect. She is also a graduate of KC Tomorrow and the AHEAD program (Central Exchange).

She has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Rockhurst University and also earned her Not for-Profit Fundraising Certificate from the UMKC Bloch School of Management.

Nicole has a variety of interests but is most passionate about empowering women, access to quality education and issues of social justice. She resides in Fairway, Kansas with her husband, Patrick, and her son, Rowah.