Conversations with Nichole Campuzano

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nichole Campuzano.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My story began in Englewood, Colorado. I am the youngest child of Rod and Denise Campuzano. My Mom is a Denver native and my Dad is from Mexico City. Work ethic was engrained in my mind as the way to represent your family and build a future. My Dad had very humble beginnings in the United States and valued education. He was a role model for me as a former University of Colorado Buffalo and Entrepreneur.

My Mom was an example of a strong woman shattering the glass ceiling in corporate America. I fell fond of music from a young age with my Dad’s talent as a guitarist and my Mom’s collection of vinyl records. I began singing in choir in preschool and reached the NBA floor in 2009, singing for the Denver Nuggets. My voice became that of a disability advocate as Miss Wheelchair Colorado. I’ve mentored those with spinal cord injuries since the onset of my own injury in 2005.

My greatest gift, Josephine Teresa, was born in 2012. She has been an instrument of joy beyond measure and my inspiration. As a Mother, I aspire to leave a legacy as the Executive Director of Nichole’s Voice a 501(c)(3). This nonprofit, established in 2021, is possible with a community creating a melody of voice through narratives of Spinal Cord Injury survivors.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I have always viewed obstacles and challenges in my life as lessons to achieve the final destination. Enduring a Spinal Cord Injury at the age of 22, gave me the option to face my challenges or allow them to take the front seat. I made the decision that no matter the hand I was dealt, I would not give up. I owe it to myself to fulfill my goals and dreams despite my injury.

For me, it’s not about the timeline it’s about the accomplishments. I never start anything I am not confident I can finish. I give it my all and know that come success or failure I gave it my best. I am proud to say I am a lifelong learner. I enjoy the growth that comes from the sweat, blood, and tears. The feeling of victory is unparalleled.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
When I was younger, I imagined being a secretary at a business office. As I grew older I realized my love for writing, poetry, and songwriting. I took a Journalism class and joined the yearbook in High School. I found I could share my deeper thoughts through words. My high school guidance counselor, Anne McMullen, encouraged me to attend the University of Colorado at Boulder in pursuit of an undergraduate Journalism degree.

I was accepted to CU-Boulder, but it took me several years to enter the Journalism School. I was extremely focused and earned my degree in Advertising. I dreamed of becoming an Account Executive so it seemed apropos to intern at Karsh + Hagan ad agency and Pepsi Bottling Group. My injury was sustained during my final semester at CU-Boulder. My professional goals took a detour. I graduated from CU-Boulder and some years later I earned a Masters degree in Marketing from Regis University.

Thereafter, I earned certifications in Medical Billing Coding and E-commerce and Digital Marketing. My education has elevated me to become a Customer Care Representative at the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. While this may be my career, my passion is my foundation, Nichole’s Voice.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I recently obtained full-time employment and so my time has been shifted. I aspire to build a network of individuals and companies that understand the mission and assist in carrying out the vision of Nichole’s Voice. Life-altering Spinal Cord Injury survivors face a tremendous amount of obstacles in their day-to-day lives. Community engagement and interaction create a melody of Voice through narratives.

This translates to belonging to becoming one’s best version of self. We validate individuals and the roles they navigate along with their injuries. Capacity building translates to peer mentorship and community participation to decrease post-injury isolation due to a lack of resources and support. Collaboration is an effort to give time, talent, and treasure.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://flow.page/nicholesvoice
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/nicholes-voice-60a030288
• Other: https://linktr.ee/NicholesVoice

Image Credits
Mark Woolcott