About Nicole, Founder & CEO of NLYB Solutions

Nicole Butts is an accomplished Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) executive, strategist, coach, facilitator, and a highly sought-after public speaker.

Rooted in both the east and west coasts, Nicole has served many roles in DEI for over 20 years, including Chief Diversity Officer. She has built three inaugural DEI offices within institutions and coached, trained, and counseled senior leadership on diversity, equity, and inclusion matters. During her career, she has developed and led an international medical exchange program, as well as designed and implemented full-scale diversity and inclusion initiatives for various industries and clients across the U.S.

 Nicole earned her bachelor’s degree from Howard University, master’s degree from Bowie State University, and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree from University of Southern California. She is a certified mediator and holds multiple professional certifications, including Senior Certified Human Resources Professional (SHRM-SCP); Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR); Strategic Human Resources Business Partner (SHRBP); and Senior Certified Affirmative Action Professional (CAAP).

Philanthropy is at the core of Nicole’s life. Her most rewarding volunteer experience took place in Durbin, South Africa, where she served as a group process facilitator for the United Nations World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance. Engaging with non-governmental organizations from around the globe, she helped attendees reflect on complex conference topics and cross-cultural interactions.

As a facilitator of learning and challenging cultural dialogues, Nicole creates welcoming and safe spaces for people to engage, explore, and grow. Each person or organization is at a different point in their personal or professional DEI journeys and Nicole and her team meet you where you are. She makes difficult conversations easy and facilitates growth dialogue. She is genuine, non-judgmental, thoughtful, compassionate, patient, nurturing, and supportive. Her approach to DEI leads clients through personal, professional, and organizational transformations. 
 

“The most fulfilling aspect of my work is helping people expand their thinking and comfort zones,” Nicole said. “By encouraging them to navigate challenging spaces, encounters, and conversations, I positively enhance their personal and professional development.”

Nicole is a member of the American Association for Access, Equity and Diversity; the California Diversity Council; and former board member and program chair for the Greater Los Angeles Industry Liaison Group. She is a regular expert presenter at professional organizations and societies, including the Society for Human Resource Management, and HR.com.

What our client says

Client Testimonial

Dr. Resma Byrne Director of Educational Projects and Assessment Walnut Valley Unified School District

Nicole Butts is strategic and a natural teacher. We were able to develop a plan of action within a timeline that fit our needs. Nicole helped our team think and learn together. We have grown as an organization and continue to flourish because of Nicole’s trainings, presentations, and continued partnership.

Duane Smith President, Board of Directors Pomona Library Foundation

Nicole Butts lead an exemplary two session implicit bias training program for the Pomona Public Library Foundation and the greater Pomona community. One participant called it the best training program she had participated in in years.

Louis Wharton, Partner, Stubbs Alderton & Markiles, LLP Member of Executive Conversations for Change Coalition

Targeted, tactical and talented – three words that describe Nicole Yeldell-Butts’ expert and nimble moderation of the second event in the Executive Conversations for Change series – Building a Diverse, Equitable and Inclusive Culture. Nicole exceeded my expectations as she adroitly combined probing, insightful questions with cogent and digestible summaries of the topics discussed, ensuring that the audience received actionable steps to assist with their own DEI initiatives. I look forward to my next opportunity to work with Nicole to leverage her DEI strategic and coaching expertise as we endeavor to contribute to this important area.

Amy Mathieson Executive Vice President, Community Management FirstService Residential

Thank you, Nicole for moderating our women’s panel. Your approach which is mixed with professionalism and a comfortable warmth was a perfect balance for all to get the most out of the event. The participants as well as the panelists loved your calm demeanor and manner in which you tee’d up the questions. Makes all the difference in the world to have a professional expert.

Lea R. Dopson, Ed.D. Dean and James A. Collins Distinguished Chair President, International CHRIE

Nicole rocked the house at our conference! In my 30 years with my organization, Nicole facilitated the best workshop we have ever had. I so appreciate her ability to get important and difficult conversations going and how she focused the group on the real issues at hand. Nicole did her homework in advance and really connected with the audience. She is a skilled and thoughtful facilitator who works well with a variety of people with diverse backgrounds and ideas.