Nicole Robinson Gauthier, CFRE, Lone Star College Foundation executive director, has spent over 25 years working with area non-profit organizations to help people achieve their dreams. Robinson Gauthier’s commitment to others earned her the ATHENA Leadership Award, recognizing individuals who demonstrate professional excellence, and community service while actively assisting women in attaining professional goals and leadership skills.
“Community service has always been a part of my life because I love to give back and get involved, which became more important when I had children because I wanted them to share their blessings, gifts and talents with others,” said Robinson Gauthier. “It was a complete surprise and honor to be named this year’s ATHENA Leadership Award winner and be recognized with other talented women who work hard in building our communities for the next generation.”
The Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber of Commerce partners with ATHENA International to honor women leaders in Montgomery County with the ATHENA Leadership Award for their contributions in helping to improve the quality of lives for others while actively assisting women and young girls realize their full potential. This year, the chamber received 24 nominations and ATHENA International selected the area’s three finalists, including Robinson Gauthier, who were honored at the Conroe/Lake Conroe ATHENA Leadership Award Luncheon July 19.
“The community is blessed to have so many women who lead with dignity, strength and purpose and who see the importance of mentoring and guiding the next generation of women leaders,” said Scott Harper, Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber of Commerce president. “This year’s nominees represent the corporate, non-profit and education sectors, which are the backbone of our community. In their unique ways, they give back and make Montgomery County a better place through their work. I can think of no greater legacy than that.”
Robinson Gauthier started at Lone Star College Foundation in October 2016. Under her leadership, the non-profit arm of LSC has created, funded and maintained initiatives that help students earn a college education, like the Textbook and Technology Fund and provide resources and support for students and employees impacted by natural disasters, i.e., hurricanes, through emergency funding.
“I truly love this job because I get paid to help people go to college and enhance their life and the lives of their entire family,” said Robinson Gauthier. “I’m incredibly proud of the work we’ve done, especially establishing the Textbook and Technology Fund to help provide textbooks and some technology for students in need at every campus, every semester for the next three years.”
Outside of LSC Foundation, Robinson Gauthier is no stranger to the non-profit world. She is on the National Charity League-The Magnolias Chapter board, a mother-daughter service and leadership organization; works with the Gulf Coast Board of the American Heart Association, helping to raise awareness of heart disease and participating in heart walks and volunteers with Sleep in Heavenly Peace, which builds beds for kids.
“We nominated Nicole for the ATHENA Leadership Award because she is an exceptional leader and her dedication has made a significant impact within the non-profit and educational sectors,” said Allison Boyd, Boyd Grants founder and principal writer and Julie Martineau, Montgomery County Community Foundation president and CEO. “Nicole is a rare person who generously and quietly helps other professionals excel in their careers. She goes above and beyond for Lone Star College students and works with various organizations that continue to enrich communities and empower individuals across Texas.”
LSC Foundation changes lives through student scholarships and other financial opportunities to help reduce economic barriers to earning a quality education. They raise money through various events, including the annual Golf Tournament and StarGala, partnerships with area residents and corporations and established scholarship and endowment funds. Learn more at LoneStar.edu/Giving.
Lone Star College enrolls over 80,000 students each semester providing high-quality, low-cost academic transfer and career training education. LSC is training tomorrow’s workforce today and redefining the community college experience to support student success. Mario K. Castillo, J.D., serves as Chancellor of LSC, the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area and has been named a 2023 Great Colleges to Work For® institution by the Chronicle of Higher Education. LSC consists of eight colleges, seven centers, eight Workforce Centers of Excellence and Lone Star Corporate College. To learn more, visit LoneStar.edu.