Nichole Knight ’07

Nichole L. Knight (she/her) is an arts administrator, communications professional, and community builder. Through her work, she aims to produce meaningful content and champion artistic and intercultural endeavors that encourage connection and exploration, increase empathy and understanding, and center marginalized voices.

Nichole currently serves as Director of Operations at Chamber Music America (CMA). CMA bolsters its community of small ensemble music professionals by providing networking opportunities, professional development resources and services, advocacy, and funding support to its constituents. Nichole plays a role in key organizational decisions and oversees the organization’s annual conference and major communications projects. 

After graduating from Smith, Nichole spent two years teaching English in Japan through the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program. She has also worked in marketing and communications at The New School–home of the Mannes School of Music and Parsons School of Design–and in student affairs at The Juilliard School. She earned a master’s in media studies with a certificate in media management from The New School. 

Nichole served on the Board of Directors of the Smith College Club of New York City from 2017-2020, assuming the role of Vice President for Communications in her final year. Her favorite activities included making finals care packages for New York–area Smithies and celebrating Mountain Day in Bryant Park. She was also an active member of the JET Alumni Association of New York (JETAANY), having organized its Japan-a-Mania volunteer event for several years and serving on both its executive committee and gala planning committee in 2018. She returned home to CT during the pandemic after nearly a decade in NYC.

In addition to the arts, Nichole enjoys spending time outdoors. She hikes all over the Northeast and is an active member of Outdoor Afro, which celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature.