Diamond Nickelson, a recent graduate of the Tulane University School of Social Work with a Master of Social Work degree brings a performance history of excellence in leadership beginning with her educational accomplishments and community involvement. That same community involvement led her to being featured in Tulane’s Alumni Spotlight.
Prior to pursuing her graduate degree, Diamond studied Psychology at Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. During her matriculation at SUBR, she served as a legislative assistant in student government, secretary of the psychology club, and as a diversity coordinator in the 86th Miss Southern University executive cabinet. While at the University, Diamond’s commitment and rigorous research enabled her to present at the 19th Annual Social and Behavioral Science Undergraduate Conference and be awarded the 2017 Psychology Top Researcher of the Year award.
Nickelson is a graduate of Xavier University Preparatory High School in New Orleans, Louisiana. During her tenure at XUP, she was a member of the diversity club, key club, Future Business Leaders of America, served 4 years on the student council and was elected as “Student Council President” by the student body.
Diamond’s previous employment includes: a mental health hospital technician, a six-year internship in the Clerk’s Office of Orleans Parish Civil District Court and Orleans Parish Criminal District Court. She completed her MSW field practicum with University Medical Center’s Trauma Recovery Team.
Diamond has a passion for social justice with a commitment and interest in education, juvenile justice, advocacy, and policy development. Her understanding of community needs and her involvement in student government at the high school, university, and graduate school level, led her to run for Orleans Parish Democratic Executive Committee. Though she was not elected, Diamond viewed the experience as “my season of introduction”.
As an individual who possess the core values of dignity, service and integrity, Nickelson will continue advocating for the community with an overall goal of meeting the needs of the underserved in New Orleans and surrounding areas.