Nicole Harris-Crest

Nicole began her legal career at Miles & Stockbridge, where she managed multi-million-dollar national trial cases in product liability, honing her skills in strategy, negotiation, and client advocacy. She went on to become Executive Director of the Maryland Alliance of Public Charter Schools, where she built statewide coalitions, advanced charter policy, and expanded funding for 50 charter schools. 

Nicole later served as Chief of External Affairs for the Baltimore City State Attorney’s Office, where she led a team of more than 50, created innovative workforce and literacy initiatives, and secured over $2.5 million in federal and philanthropic funding to expand programs for youth and crime survivors. Most recently, as Senior Director of External Affairs & Philanthropy at BES, Nicole has led national fundraising efforts to expand leadership development for schools across the country.

As a coach, Nicole is known for her approachable and empowering mentorship style. She combines her legal acumen with deep experience in advocacy, helping students shape compelling, authentic applications that reflect their unique strengths and potential. She is passionate about addressing urban socio-economic challenges and has dedicated her career to advancing equity through education and legal empowerment. Nicole thrives on building community-driven solutions and coaching aspiring lawyers from all walks of life.

In her free time, Nicole enjoys family time with her husband, two children, and their two dogs. She is also a published op-ed editor in the The Baltimore Sun.