In today’s evolving business world, women are stepping confidently into leadership roles, redefining expectations with intelligence, empathy, and resilience. Among these impactful voices is Nicole Rodrigues, the Founder and CEO of NRPR Group. With a sharp focus on raising industry standards and advancing professional ethics in public relations, Nicole has become a standout figure, leading her company with authenticity, excellence, and an eye on future transformation.

From the day NRPR opened its doors, Nicole envisioned building a firm that not only delivered top-tier results but also reshaped how the PR industry interacts with media professionals. Guided by a methodology she developed through years of high-level agency experience, she remains committed to innovation and integrity in every facet of her work.

As a self-funded Latina entrepreneur of Puerto Rican heritage, Nicole understands the importance of visibility and representation in leadership. Her journey has inspired her to build a team that reflects diversity, drive, and discipline, with an emphasis on nurturing potential and empowering others to surpass their own expectations.

Nicole leads by example, ensuring that every member of her team is equipped to grow both personally and professionally. At NRPR, “the agency of the future” means more than keeping up with technology or trends. It’s about shaping the next generation of professionals who will lead the PR world with purpose and excellence.

Expanding Services Beyond Traditional PR

NRPR Group delivers much more than public relations. It offers comprehensive brand positioning and strategic communications, helping clients craft strong narratives through media relations, content development, and storytelling.

In 2020, Nicole expanded the agency’s capabilities by launching NRPR Productions, a full-service content production division, and NRPR Business Pro (Biz Pro™), a groundbreaking initiative that helps startups build their businesses from the ground up. These offerings position NRPR as a one-stop partner for growth-stage companies seeking guidance across media, branding, and operations.

NRPR’s approach is deeply personalized. The team studies each client’s market, audience, and objectives, ensuring strategies are precise, relevant, and impactful. With a focus on quality over quantity, Nicole’s team fosters long-term relationships with media contacts based on trust, professionalism, and mutual respect.

Leadership That Inspires Growth

Nicole’s leadership journey began early. As the eldest of nine siblings, she naturally stepped into roles of responsibility. That early experience shaped her belief that effective leaders must understand every role within a team and remain ready to take action when needed.

Her leadership philosophy is rooted in service, mentorship, and accountability. At NRPR, she works closely with team members to help them grow beyond their current roles, preparing them to become future leaders themselves.

Nicole’s influence also extends to the Young Dreamers Foundation, a nonprofit she founded to support youth development and business education. Through this initiative, she continues to pay it forward, helping others pursue their dreams with confidence and preparation.

Integrating Technology into PR Practice

Nicole has embraced the power of digital tools and platforms to amplify her agency’s reach and efficiency. She actively encourages clients to explore and engage with emerging platforms like Clubhouse, which became a valuable space for thought leadership and brand exposure during the pandemic.

She doesn’t just recommend these tools. Nicole joins clients on the platform, co-hosts rooms, and mentors them on how to connect with new audiences and share their messages with authenticity. This hands-on, collaborative approach reflects her commitment to staying ahead of the curve and helping others do the same.

Challenging Gender Stereotypes in Business

Throughout her career in tech and media, Nicole has seen firsthand the impact of women in executive leadership. She believes that women bring essential strengths such as emotional intelligence, multitasking ability, and resilience to business environments, strengths that complement and often elevate team performance and organizational culture.

Nicole is passionate about advocating for equity in the workplace. She believes that women should not be expected to choose between family and career. Instead, they should be supported in building both. She is a firm believer in the idea that feminine traits are not obstacles but assets that contribute to stronger leadership and more inclusive growth.

Pushing for Industry Evolution

Nicole is on a mission to elevate the standards of PR by transforming outdated practices. She has identified three key areas where she believes reform is essential:

1. No to Mass Pitching: PR outreach must be intentional and tailored. Nicole discourages impersonal mass emails that waste the time of both journalists and clients. Each pitch should reflect a clear understanding of the media contact’s focus and audience.
2. Respect for Media Relationships: Nicole views journalists as partners. She advocates for PR professionals to be helpful collaborators, providing relevant and timely information that supports journalists’ work while serving client interests.
3. Delegation and Empowerment: Leaders cannot and should not do everything themselves. Nicole encourages smart delegation, paired with mentorship, to build capable teams and foster long-term organizational strength.

Message to Women in Business

Nicole has a powerful message for women navigating career choices or entrepreneurial ambitions: pursue your goals without apology. She urges women not to internalize outdated stereotypes or societal pressures about what is appropriate or attainable.

She reminds women that the same freedoms and ambitions encouraged in men should also be available to them. Nicole encourages others to lean into their strengths, remain persistent, and trust in their ability to build fulfilling careers and lives on their own terms.

As her mother always told her, success is possible if you are willing to work hard and believe in your potential.