Megan Nickel

Managing all parts of the data ecosystem

“The only kinds of fights worth fighting are those you’re going to lose, because somebody has to fight them and lose and lose and lose until someday, somebody who believes as you do wins.” – I.F. Stone.

In her role as an analyst at TCC, Megan is driven by her desire to ensure decision-makers have the essential information available in meticulous, organized and accessible form. She provides valuable support to the philanthropic division of Prudential Inc. and their capacity-building programs with nonprofts in Newark. Megan also compiles and synthesizes data for the National Alliance on Mental Illness, overseeing final reports from the field.

Taking an interdisciplinary approach utilizing her background in Environmental Science and Policy, she observes the social sector as an ecosystem where different forms of life and discrete systems vitally interact. Her credo is maintaining a meticulous standard in tracking results while never losing sight of data as a spark for igniting conversation.

Megan’s earliest experience in the intersection of data and narrative arose from her senior thesis, where she spearheaded a project leading to the improvement of pedestrian infrastructure in Poughkeepsie, NY.  She independently managed this project from conception to a final presentation to government officials. Before coming to TCC, Megan served as a program associate for The Overbrook Foundation, a small family foundation where she managed the Environment Program’s $2.5 million grant budget budget and supported grantees through the application process.

Education

• Marist College,  New York
  • B.S. in Environmental Science & Policy, Concentration in Policy