Nicole Green Hodges, a 1999 Riverside City College (RCC) graduate, has built a remarkable career that intertwines her love for the arts, commitment to community service, and dedication to education. Her journey from a bright-eyed art student at RCC to a pillar of the Riverside community illustrates how a strong educational foundation and supportive environment can shape a life of meaningful impact and leadership.
Nicole’s connection to RCC began when she returned to Riverside after living out of state, drawn to the college’s beautiful campus, close location, and welcoming community. Reflecting on her time at RCC, Nicole shared, “During my time as a student, I was fortunate enough to have a host of inspiring, supportive professors that encouraged me to pursue my artistic talents and acute interests in art history. Juliana Leung and Sally Armstrong were my Art History professors that inspired me to travel to personally view the items I had spent so much time memorizing. From them, I learned the value of bringing my education to true fruition.” This formative experience fueled her academic pursuits and instilled in her the importance of learning, experiencing, and sharing—values that continue to guide her work today.
After graduating with an Associate of Arts degree, Nicole launched a multifaceted career with over 20 years of teaching art and art history at RCC, subjects she initially studied as a student and earned her degree in. Simultaneously, she has taught undergraduate and graduate students at the university level, demonstrating her deep commitment to education and mentoring students throughout their academic journeys. However, her impact extends far beyond the classroom.
In 2014, Nicole co-founded Wizards and Wires, the first escape room and event venue in the Inland Empire. Located in Downtown Riverside, this unique business has not only provided entertainment but has also become a launchpad for many RCC students, offering them employment opportunities and a chance to engage with the community in innovative ways. The escape room’s success is a reflection of Nicole’s entrepreneurial spirit and her commitment to giving back to the community that supported her own educational journey.
Nicole’s dedication to community service is also evident in her work with the Riverside Arts Council (RAC), where she serves as the Director of Diversity and Inclusion. In this role, she has facilitated state grants that support students and local artists, organized major Riverside festivals, and led initiatives like the monthly Art Walk and The Mayor’s Ball. Her efforts to integrate the arts into the fabric of Riverside’s communities highlight her conviction that art can be a catalyst for social change and a unifying force.
Beyond her professional achievements, Nicole is deeply involved in the Umoja Project at RCC, a program dedicated to enhancing the educational experiences of African American students. Through her work with Umoja, Nicole helps foster a sense of community and belonging among students, providing them with the tools and support they need to succeed academically and personally.
Nicole’s contributions to the community are further highlighted by her passion project—a historic 1912 home that she has lovingly restored. For the past decade, this property has served as a sanctuary for college students needing affordable housing, reflecting Nicole’s commitment to providing support and stability to the next generation of scholars.
Nicole’s insights
As an RCC alum, Nicole continues to embody the values instilled in her during her time at Riverside City College. “I am continually inspired to pursue my passions and do all I can to be a helpful hand to my students, colleagues, and family,” Nicole shared. Her journey is a powerful reminder of the tangible value of education and the profound impact that dedicated educators and supportive communities can have on a student’s life. Through her work, Nicole uplifts the Riverside community and strengthens the connection between RCC’s alumni, students, and the broader campus community.
SOURCE: blackvoicenews.com