Nicolle is a managing associate and environmental planner with experience performing environmental analysis to support CEQA and NEPA documentation. In her role within ESA’s Southern California Water Group, Nicolle provides project management and senior oversight and analysis for water utility and municipal clients, playing a key role managing work on ESA’s large-scale as-needed contracts.
What has been your favorite job in your career and why?
My favorite job so far has been the DWR Lake Perris Dam Remediation Program. It was the first project I worked on at ESA, so it has a special place in my heart, and work is still going on now. The project is dynamic, and I have seen it through all stages, from design through construction.
What keeps you coming to work here at ESA every day?
I know everyone says this, but it really is the amazing group of people. Being in one place for so long…when I started I was in my 20s, now I have two kids in middle school. I have watched people build their lives, marry, have children, and grow in their career. There are so many people I have worked with for close to a decade or more, it makes coming to work (or zooming) fun!
What’s your favorite thing to do when you are out of the office?
Although my coworkers have heard me complain about this, it would have to be cheering my kids on at their sporting events or participating in their extracurricular activities. My daughter is on several teams (Cross Country, Mountain Bike, and Track) and plays the cello, and my son plays Baseball and does Boy Scouts.
Share a personal fact no one would ever guess about you.
I was born in Brazil and lived there until the age of 9, and am fluent in Portuguese.
If you had one free hour each day, how would you use it?
Snuggling my kids on the couch after eating a big bowl of ice cream.
If you had a warning label, what would yours say?
Opinionated – approach at your own risk!
What are three skills that you bring to the ESA team? In other words, what should colleagues know to reach out to you about?
- Water Infrastructure CEQA Projects
- Project Management/Staff Coordination
- I’m part of the Charitable Giving Committee and Mentorship Program in Southern California
In relation to the work you do, what’s one thing people can do in their everyday lives that can help create a more sustainable future?
I think at this point, water conservation is a big one. We all need to be smarter about what we use potable water for at home, and not just during the drought-mandated conservation time period.
