Ford Scholar Alumna, Nicole Strada (Rocheleau) hails from Portland, Oregon, and was awarded the scholarship in 1995. She graduated with her bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Willamette University in 1999 and received her master’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in advertising and account planning in 2001. Nicole recently wrote, “I can’t tell you how grateful I am to the Ford program for helping me receive such an amazing education.”

When Nicole applied to graduate school she was asked how she expected to impact communities with her education. She responded that she was interested in learning “how to use marketing techniques for good, helping companies to develop more sustainable and greener strategies, and finding ways to use marketing to draw attention to environmental causes.” Nicole’s career and life demonstrate that she is truly fulfilling her expressed goals and honoring her values.

Nicole has spent the last ten years working at top 10 advertising firms in London, England, and now at award-winning advertising agency Goodby, Silverstein & Partners in San Francisco. She has helped Sprint launch their 4G Network, retail campaigns, and recent green-related accolades. Nicole also works with a non-profit American Rivers, helping to generate awareness for their river protection efforts. She recently helped launch a major advertising campaign, "Strong is Beautiful" for the Women's Tennis Association, promoting their top stars.

Nicole spent nine years in London and worked in the advertising industry on accounts including United Airlines, Citibank, and Ben & Jerry's. She helped an organic food brand re-engineer their brand architecture, packaging, and research and design a new line of premium organic chocolate bar. She helped a yogurt maker re-launch the third largest brand in the UK, and worked to make their individual products healthier and packaging more sustainable. Nicole worked with Starbucks UK, to re-launch their food offerings, including more sustainable food options. She also worked with Europe's largest technology company to promote greener technologies such as cleaner aircraft engines, wind technology, wave and tidal energy.

This year, Nicole undertook two major independent projects: her nine-month-old son, Charlie, with her husband, Nick, and her own food blog - That's NOT how Momma does it  - where she chronicles her life as a mom, outdoor enthusiast, as well as her beliefs about organic and sustainable food.