Q: Tell us about Rocky Mountain Women’s Film and how did you get involved?
NN: I began attending the Rocky Mountain Women’s Film Festival with one of the founding members, Madelyn Osur, in high school.  I became a passionate fan of the depth of the stories and the bold vision and diverse topics and continued to attend year after year then became a volunteer.  When the position of executive director came open, I knew I had found the opportunity to marry my passion and my talents to serve Rocky Mountain Women’s Film.

Q: What is your connection to film and to women’s film in particular? 
NN: As a college sociology professor, I used film on a regular basis to augment traditional teaching methods and offer students a multi-layered approach to individual stories and complex social issues and solutions.  So many of the films are heartfelt explorations of deep social issues and have the power to help us evaluate ourselves and our social surroundings in an objective way.  Film can be personal and can generate emotion and create connection beyond textbook learning. 

Q: How does filmmaking from a female lens change the trajectory of the story?  Why is this important?
NN: A woman’s lived experience is unique and comes through the filmmaking process. Therefore, the story that ends up on the screen has a unique way of connecting with audiences in an empathetic way.  Not all films generate this type of intimate connection to the subject matter and/or the personal subject of the story.  Women storytellers can be more empathetic, compassionate, and intimate in their work – they create community, conversation, and action. 

Q: What gratifies you most about this work? Or what’s a day in the life like for you?
NN: Every day is different.  Some days I am creating the relationships that generate the partnerships that fund our work.  My role is to create opportunities, solicit and activate sponsorships and ensure deliverables.   Other days I’m immersed in the creative process to help promote the festival and sell tickets.  One of the fun aspects of my job is to be privy to the process that screens and selecting films for both year-round community screenings as well as for the festival itself.  This work is multi-layered and exciting.  I love being one of the first to hear about and then view some of the most amazing female-driven films in the world. 

Q: Do you have a favorite moment or experience or story you would like to share about your role with RMWF?
NN: My favorite experience as a festivalgoer, volunteer and executive director is all the same.  I LOVE the conversations I have with festival attendees as we exit the theatre.  People often feel enlightened, inspired, in awe or called to action.  Regardless of your opinion on the film content, people share openly and respectfully. 

Q: What is one word of advice you can offer to young women who want to reach your level of success?
NN: Focus. Stay focused on your goals and don’t let anything — or anyone — talk you out of them. And as you push forward, remember to have grace for yourself and for others along the way.

Q: Can you tell our audience one of your most memorable moments of your career?
NN: One of the most memorable moments of my career was serving as the keynote speaker at the Women Helping Women event with Goodwill Industries. It meant the world to me to share my story with women who were walking a similar path — facing unemployment, navigating single parenthood, and working to rebuild their lives. What moved me most was knowing that every woman in that audience had made the choice to show up, to make themselves a priority. Their courage and commitment inspired me to stay the course in my own journey.

Q: Which woman inspires you and why? 
NN: Vandana Shiva inspires me. She is fearless in her determination to champion the earth, women, and all people. She’s brilliant, deeply principled, and never shies away from confrontation or debate when it comes to defending what matters.

Q: What advice would you give to young women who want to succeed in the workplace?
NN: My advice to young women is to check your ego at the door and remember why you’re there. Don’t take things too personally — not every challenge is a reflection of your worth. Focus on your stamina and resilience; success isn’t just about one big moment, it’s about showing up day after day, ready for what’s ahead.

Q: Can you tell us how you manage your work life balance?
NN: I manage work-life balance by being intentional with my time. I keep a daily schedule — either in a calendar or on a whiteboard — and I include what I’m grateful for each day. That practice keeps me grounded. I’m committed to giving as much energy to my personal life as I do to my job, so I prioritize exercise and use time blocking to protect space for both work and rest.

Seven Things About Nicole Nicoletta

1. If you could share a meal with any 4 individuals, living or dead, who would they be? 
My Dad my mom, my great grandmother, and my daughter.

2. What’s your favorite thing to do in your free time?
Hike

3. What was the last book you really got into? 
Don’t Believe Everything You Think by Joseph Nguyen

4. Who is your favorite author? 
Anne LaBastille

5. What TV shows did you watch when you were a kid? 
Family Ties, The Cosby Show, Golden Girls, Facts of Life 

6. Are you a morning person or a night owl? 
Early morning

7. Favorite Dessert? 
Grilled Peaches