MEET Dr. NICOLE M ROWAN, BBA, MSM,DHL

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Nicole Rowan is a seasoned leader, trainer, coach, and facilitator with over a decade of experience empowering individuals and organizations to unlock their full potential. As the CEO of Press Play on Purpose, LLC, Nicole specializes in delivering transformational training and development programs that focus on leadership, influence, and personal growth as well as strategic planning implementation and execution.

Nicole’s expertise spans multiple sectors, including nonprofit, corporate, government, and community development. Her work is driven by a deep commitment to inclusion, equity, and visionary leadership. 

Nicole’s career highlights include:

• Press Play on Purpose, LLC: Leading impactful training and development programs for nonprofits and community organizations.
• YMCA of Middle Tennessee: Spearheading a record-breaking fundraising campaign to provide free swim lessons for underserved youth and leading the Healthier Communities task force to promote sustainability.
• Rebuilding Together Nashville: Securing multi-year funding, organizing community town halls, and developing strategic partnerships to revitalize neighborhoods.
• Metropolitan Action Commission: Serving in leadership on launcch team for the HOPE program and improving operational efficiency to support housing stability during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Honorary Doctorate in Christian Humane Letters
• Master of Science in Business Management, Indiana Wesleyan University
• Bachelor in Business Administration, Northwood University

• YMCA Organizational Leader Certification
• Cornell University Organizational Management Certification
• Ball State University Conversational Spanish Certification
• Multicultural Executive Development Institute Graduate

• Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, President Joe Biden
• Spirit of Leadership Award, 2024
• Women Who Rock Nashville Award Nominee, 2022

Nicole has worked with esteemed organizations such as Meharry Medical College, Rebuilding Together Nashville, and the Regional Transit Authority, advocating for equitable access to housing, education, and healthcare. Her published research focuses on equitable community-academic partnerships, and she has contributed to strategic initiatives for programs like The Village under the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.

Nicole is known for her engaging, action-oriented training style. Her sessions are grounded in real-world applications and are tailored to meet the needs of diverse audiences. She has a proven track record of guiding leaders through complex challenges, including conflict resolution, team dynamics, and change management.

Nicole believes that leadership is influence. Her workshops focus on building trust, fostering authentic relationships, and leveraging networks to achieve organizational and personal success. Whether working with executives, emerging leaders, or community groups, Nicole inspires individuals to lead with integrity and purpose.

Dr. Nicole Rowan Founder & Visionary | Press Play on Purpose, LLC Dr. Nicole Rowan is a dynamic leader, visionary strategist, and passionate advocate for transformative change. As the Founder and CEO of Press Play on Purpose, LLC, she empowers nonprofit organizations and faith-based institutions to achieve sustainable growth, maximize impact, and drive meaningful community engagement. With over a decade of experience in leadership, program development, and strategic planning, Nicole has built a reputation for turning visions into reality. Nicole holds a Master of Science in Business Management from Indiana Wesleyan University and a Bachelor in Business Administration from Northwood University. 

She was awarded the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award by President Joe Biden, the highest honor bestowed upon a civilian, for her unwavering commitment to community service and leadership. Additionally, she holds an Honorary Doctorate in Christian Humane Letters, recognizing her profound contributions to faith-based leadership and humanitarian efforts.

Her career is marked by transformative leadership in nonprofit and community development, having served as:

Executive Director/CEO of Rebuilding Together Nashville, securing multi-year funding, leading community revitalization, and building strategic partnerships. Landlord Liaison & Housing Court Navigator at Metro Action Commission, where she helped launch the HOPE initiative, connecting underserved communities with critical housing assistance. Executive Director at the YMCA of Middle Tennessee, leading fundraising efforts that exceeded goals and provided free swim lessons to hundreds of children from underserved backgrounds.

Beyond her executive roles, Nicole has trained and mentored leaders at all levels. She is an expert in leadership development, organizational growth, and sustainable community impact, equipping organizations with the tools they need to scale and thrive. Nicole’s expertise extends to faith-based leadership, where she has made history as the first ordained female pastor and first online pastor at Triumphant Church. Ordained as a minister in 2017 and an associate pastor in 2020, she continues to break barriers and inspire others in their faith and leadership journeys. 

Through Press Play on Purpose, LLC, Nicole brings this wealth of experience to help nonprofits and ministries refine their vision, expand their reach, and achieve transformational success. She is not just a consultant—she is a strategic partner, a change agent, and a leader who inspires others to take action.