Nicole Smith-Vaniz
Program Manager
Bio
Nicole joined the Center for Innovation (C4i) in August 2025 as a Program Manager, assisting with administrative work and research. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Tulane University with a degree in Public Health, where she was awarded multiple grants from the Newcomb Institute and Newcomb-Tulane College to support research and policy engagement at the intersection of AI, health, and equity. She was also selected as a TEDxTulane Speaker in 2023, delivering a talk on neuroplasticity and Buddhist practices.
When not working, Nicole can be found constructing intricate hats and experimenting with flavors such as “pink lemonade” at her nonprofit pickling project, Brining with Benevolence.