Nicole Kendall Cush is the Founder and Executive Director of The Glitter Sisters Inc., an award-winning educator, executive leader, speaker, and social-emotional learning coach with more than 30 years of experience.

Nicole spent 17 years as a classroom educator and 13 years in school administration, including seven years as Principal of the School of Inquiry and Life Sciences at Asheville. Under her leadership, SILSA achieved a 99 percent graduation rate, earned an A school rating, and was recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the Asheville metropolitan area’s top high schools.

At SILSA, Nicole created a series on Productive Struggle and Growth Mindset, founded the original Glitter Sisters, supported three student affinity groups, and led the Racial Equity Ambassador Program.

Today, Nicole leads The Glitter Sisters Inc., serving BIPOC scholars across Western North Carolina, and Courage Collective Circle, helping leaders and organizations strengthen culture through belonging, accountability, and courageous conversation. A 2026 Rosa Parks Award recipient, she a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and an Advisory Board member with the NC Public School Forum and NC Center for Resilience and Learning.

Coach Pamela Washington is an etiquette coach, spiritual advisor, and body movement specialist whose warmth and positive energy prepare young people to meet life’s challenges with confidence.

She brings decades of experience traveling the world as an image consultant, artist-development professional, tour manager, and personal manager for artists including TLC, Boyz II Men, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Tank. For nearly two decades, she has supported staff, mentored students, led committees, and organized events at Asheville High School and SILSA.

A beloved varsity cheer coach, Coach Washington also serves her church and community and is a member of The Links, Incorporated.