Portland Public Schools

Nichole Watson (she/her) serves as the Senior Director of Family & Community Engagement at Portland Public Schools. A former classroom teacher, elementary principal, and racial equity strategist, Nichole brings over a decade of experience creating culturally affirming environments where families, students, and educators can thrive.

Grounded in her belief that when families move, we move—just like that, Nichole leads FACE with a commitment to building authentic partnerships that bridge home, school, and community. Her leadership centers relational trust, storytelling, and visibility—especially for communities historically left at the margins of decision-making in public education.

Nichole has led districtwide initiatives on restorative culture, student belonging, and equitable engagement strategies. She is also the founder of The Conscious Climate, a consulting practice that supports school and organizational leaders in aligning who they are with how they lead. Whether coordinating literacy campaigns, co-designing modernization efforts, or holding space in community conversations, Nichole brings people together in service of student success.

As she builds the FACE department's infrastructure, Nichole is committed to growing a team that centers families, disrupts inequity, and uplifts joy. At the heart of her work is a deep respect for the power of connection—and a belief that our collective movement transforms systems.