Hello! I'm Nichole
Innovative. Creative. Inspired. Where there's a will there's a way and there's always a way to accomplish anything. Welcome to a site full of past accomplishments, current works and future aspirations. If there's anything you want to know that isn't on here, I'm only an email, phone call, or text away.
I am always adding and updating my portfolio. Please contact me for more examples of my work.
Nichole Lauko
Communications and PR
Phone:
618-719-5032
Email:
City, State:
Millstadt, IL
Current Profession:
Millstadt Library Director
EXPERIENCE
2020-Present
Library Director
MILLSTADT LIBRARY DISTRICT
Communicating with a Board, understanding FOIA and OMA, creating policies, learning Illinois laws and statures, understanding administration and budgets along with the past duties of community engagement and program creation including press releases and strategic communications has made the Millstadt Library take steps forward into becoming a pillar in its community. The Library is currently in an exciting time of gathering resources and building a new facility.
May 2019-December 2019
Interim Director
MILLSTADT LIBRARY
As previous, the Millstadt Library continues to grow and adapt with new technology and current events.
2017-2019
Librarian
MILLSTADT LIBRARY
Creating programs, engineering social media and reimagining a small-town library, the Millstadt Library has been a position in which growth has only been improved personally, professionally and for all stakeholders.
2018-Present
Social Media and Website Technician
CAROL VOGT INSURANCE SERVICES, LLC
Creating paid advertisements, social media posts and website maintenance, Carol Vogt Insurance Services strives to add a friendly and relatable touch to insurance.
2016-Present
Business Associate
EMERGENCY RESPONSE TRAINING CENTER
Scheduling classes, maintaining supplies and teaching material as a certified instructor, the Emergency Response Training Center focuses on training emergency workers in CPR, AED and other life-saving processes.
EDUCATION
2017-2019
Master's Degree
SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE UNIVERSITY
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Masters in Communication - Public Relations
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4.0 Current Cumulative GPA
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Relevant coursework: Integrated PR Campaigns, Strategic Com in a New Age, Law & Ethics, Communication by Design, Communication, Media & Society, Crisis Communication 24/7
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Sigma Tau Delta, INTL English Honor Society Member 2019 to present
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Distinguished Scholar Award
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The Distinguished Scholar Award is specific to online undergraduate and graduate students who have earned the highest cumulative GPA in their degree program.
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2014-2016
Bachelor's Degree
SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE UNIVERSITY
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Bachelors of Arts in Communication - Public Relations
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3.9 Cumulative GPA
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President’s List
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Relevant coursework: PR, Writing for PR, Electronic PR, PR Campaign Planning, Business Communication, Organizational Communications, Social Media, Graphics & Layout/Print Media, Media Ethics & Law, Intro to Journalism
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National Society of Leadership and Success 2016 to present
2012-2014
Associate's Degree
SOUTHWESTERN ILLINOIS COLLEGE
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Associates of Liberal Arts
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Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Member 2014 to Present
QUALIFICATIONS
June-September 2020
Illinois Director's University Graduate
August 2022
Illinois Director's University 2.0 Graduate
DIRECTOR'S UNIVERSITY
AND DIRECTOR'S UNIVERISTY 2.0
Chosen through an application process, this program is aimed for new library directors to network and learn about the library profession and leadership. Usually a week long conference, due to COVID-19, the program was held online for several months.
Chosen again, through an application process, 2.0 was held at the Illinois State Library in Springfield, IL.
January-September 2020
ALA and LTC Grant Travel Stipend Recipient
LIBRARIES TRANSFORMING COMMUNITIES: FACILITATION SKILLS FOR SMALL AND RURAL LIBRARIES
Awarded a competitive travel stipend grant to participate in a five-part online course, an eight-part online coaching session and an all-day workshop at the pre-conference for the 2020 American Library Association conference in Chicago as well as the ability to attend one day of the conference. Due to COVID-19, the in-person participation was adapted to an online platform.
December 2019-Present
USCGA Member
July 2022-Present
USCGA Archivist
UNITED STATES COAST GUARD AUXILIARY
MEMBER AND ARCHIVIST
Joined a non-profit organization that strives to aid the United States Coast guard through civil education and safety procedures in regards to bodies of water. Aid in the research and retrieval of information from the National Archives for the History Division of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.
September-October 2019
Facilitator and Decision Maker
GIRLS WHO CODE
Implemented, hosted and taught the acclaimed Girls Who Code program at the Millstadt Library. Girls in grades 3-5 were taught basic coding skills.
May 17, 2018
Conference Attendee
TARGETING AUTISM
Participated in a grant provided by the Illinois State Library to attend a conference focused on understanding individuals on the Autism spectrum and how libraries can serve these individuals better.
2017-Present
License
ILLINOIS CERTIFIED SUBSTITUTE TEACHER
Certified to teach students in St. Clair County, IL.
2016-Present
Certification
ASHI CERTIFIED INSTRUCTOR
Certified to teach American Safety and Health Institute classes, including CPR, AED and First Aid.
2008-2009
Conference Participant
NATIONAL STORYTELLING CONFERENCE
Networked, learned and presented storytelling.
SKILLS
Microsoft ExCel - Advanced
Microsoft Word - Master
Power Point - Master
Adobe Illustrator - Proficient
Social Media - Advanced
Canva and similar - Master
EXPERTISE
EVENTS AND PROGRAMS
Creating and implementing unique events that bring importance and attention to a cause. From large budgets to shoestrings, any idea can be adapted to fit an audience's and business's needs.
SOCIAL CONTENT
Curating and creating impactful content allows for messages to be shared simply and impactfully. From videos and pictures to graphics and live streams.
WRITING SKILLS
Understanding audiences, outlets, goals, tone and style, writing skills are adapted to reach the best results. From Press Releases to blog posts and from brochures and strategic plans to proposals and grants.
