T. Nicole Washington
Founder, Washington Education Strategies
Turning policy into pathways. Building talent systems that open doors.
Most people sit on one side of the table. I work all three.
I have spent 15 years working at the intersection of government, philanthropy, and higher education — simultaneously. Through Washington Education Strategies, I advise senior legislative and executive leadership, build cross-sector coalitions, and translate complex policy into outcomes that drive economic mobility and workforce development.
What I do best is translate complexity into strategy. Whether shepherding landmark legislation through the Florida House, mobilizing national philanthropic partners, or designing the policy frameworks that connect education to careers — I find the thread that connects policy to people and pull it through.
I work with legislators, governors, national foundations, and higher education leaders who are serious about building systems that open doors — and I bring the relationships, the research, and the political judgment to make that work.
A Record of Outcomes That Last
Where I Have Done the Work
Director of Committee Engagement & Deputy Director of Policy
Office of Speaker Daniel Perez, Florida House of Representatives
Shepherding high-priority legislation through the full legislative process across higher education, workforce development, AI policy, and taxation. Led “AI Week” — contributing directly to passage of HB 1007 (Data Centers). Advanced HB 681, HB 1105, and HB 1255, all signed into law in 2025.
State Policy Consultant
Lumina Foundation
Connected 20+ policymakers, nonprofits, higher education institutions, and business leaders to a national postsecondary attainment agenda. Catalyzed Florida’s adoption of a statewide attainment goal in 2019 and coordinated 6 grantees generating regional talent initiatives statewide.
Founder & Principal
Washington Education Strategies, LLC
Advising multiple Speakers of the Florida House, serving as consultant to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Lumina Foundation, and leading a $2M grant initiative to expand higher education access statewide. Driving policy wins including Florida’s statewide postsecondary attainment goal and a first-of-its-kind credentials of value framework.
Budget Chief & Analyst, Education
Executive Office of the Governor, Florida
Oversaw an $8 billion education portfolio and pioneered Florida’s inaugural State University System performance funding model — a landmark policy innovation still governing the system today.
Senior Policy Advisor
Florida College Access Network (FCAN)
Architected a statewide policy and advocacy strategy, founded an Advocacy Fellows Program training 30-45 students across 3 cohorts, and brokered access to 3+ legislative committees and the 2019 gubernatorial transition team.
Associate Director of Governmental Relations
Board of Governors, State University System of Florida
Led a coordinated advocacy campaign across all 12 State University System institutions to secure $300M in construction funding, managing relationships with 10+ legislators and aligning a statewide coalition around a unified budget priority.
Governance & Civic Leadership
Ten years of active board service — leading presidential searches, chairing academic affairs, and anchoring strategic planning in performance data — has shaped a governance approach built on outcomes, not just oversight. Best suited for Governance, Strategic Planning, and Audit committees, where policy expertise and financial oversight experience at scale translate directly.
Board of Trustees, Chair of Academic & Student Affairs Committee
2015 – Present
- Chairs the committee overseeing all academic programs, transfer pathways, and student success across the university
- Grew transfer enrollment from near zero to 200+ students annually through the FAMU Ignite program
- Championed career services integration now driving nearly 70% of graduates into employment at a $48,500 median wage, up from $34,500 five years prior
- Led performance-tied strategic planning producing a sustained upward trend in state funding scores
Vice Chair, District Board of Trustees
2019 – 2025
- Led a 50+ applicant presidential search — the president selected remains in place today driving continued institutional momentum
- Co-led post-COVID strategic planning anchored in enrollment recovery and student success metrics — both targets were met
Board Member
2022 – Present
Board Member
2016 – Present
American Association of Community Colleges
2022
- First-ever national recipient, selected from 6,500+ trustees governing more than 1,200 community colleges nationwide
Commissioner & Education Vice Chair, appointed by Governor Rick Scott
2017 – 2018
- Hand-selected as one of 37 commissioners to serve on the body that convenes once every 20 years with authority to place constitutional amendments directly before voters
- Proposed and passed Amendment 7, permanently enshrining the Florida College System in the state constitution and expanding college affordability statewide
Bob Graham Center, University of Florida
2018
Let’s Connect
I welcome conversations with leaders, organizations, and recruiters committed to driving cross-sector impact in education, talent development, and public policy.
© 2026 T. Nicole Washington | Washington Education Strategies, LLC
Washington Education Strategies 