Nicole Kim is the Executive Director of the College of Adaptive Arts (CAA), a pioneering nonprofit college based in Saratoga, California, that provides lifelong, equitable higher education for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Under her leadership, CAA is expanding its inclusive collegiate model to community college partners across California, beginning with West Valley College and Laney College, with plans for other Bay Area colleges forthcoming.

Before joining CAA, Nicole built a successful career in the tech industry, leading design operations at companies including PayPal, eBay, Instagram, Indeed, and Cigna. She brings a rare blend of operational precision, creative vision, and deep empathy to her work—qualities that have made her a transformative leader in both corporate and nonprofit settings.

At CAA, Nicole is focused on building a sustainable foundation for growth—strengthening financial systems, expanding workforce development pathways, and creating inclusive employment opportunities for adults with disabilities. She’s guiding CAA toward its bold goal: to become the Special Olympics model of higher education for people with IDD.

Beyond her executive role, Nicole is an advocate and storyteller. She writes about disability inclusion, education equity, and leadership as a member of the Forbes Nonprofit Council.

Nicole lives in the Bay Area with her family and finds joy in theater, baking, and helping others see what’s possible when every person is given the chance to learn, grow, and belong.