Meet Our Founder
Nicole Barnes
Nicole Barnes is the founder of Changes By Choice, a nonprofit organization established in 2002 and dedicated to helping women reclaim their lives, rebuild their confidence, and create new pathways forward, especially those impacted by incarceration. For over two decades, Changes By Choice has remained committed to empowering women and creating opportunities for lasting transformation.
Her passion for this work is deeply personal. Growing up in a semi-rural community as a young African American girl, Nicole always knew she wanted more—more opportunity, more voice, and more impact. That desire became the foundation for a life dedicated to service, empowerment, and creating access for others.
In the early stages of building Changes By Choice, Nicole partnered with the Welfare to Work program, where she trained women in bookkeeping and financial skills. Leveraging her professional network, she created opportunities for hands-on training, exposing women to real-world experience and encouraging them to pursue education and careers in finance. She has always believed that knowledge is power—something no one can ever take away—and that it is up to each individual to use that knowledge for their own personal growth.
Through Changes By Choice, Nicole continues to lead programs that support women in their reentry journey by focusing on financial literacy, workforce development, emotional wellness, and life skills. She believes that true transformation happens when women are given not just resources, but also guidance, support, and the confidence to believe in themselves again.
Her commitment to this work extends beyond the organization. Nicole has supported initiatives such as the Women Moving Forward Conference at Jessup Correctional Facility, where she has engaged directly with incarcerated women, reinforcing her dedication to meeting women where they are and helping them prepare for successful reentry.
In addition to her nonprofit work, Nicole is the founder of Barnes & Associates, where she provides accounting and CFO services to nonprofits, churches, and small businesses. Her financial expertise allows her to build strong, sustainable systems that support both organizational growth and community impact.
Nicole is also an active leader in her community and serves in leadership roles within Zonta, an international organization focused on empowering women and girls. Through her involvement, she continues to advocate for equity, opportunity, and advancement for women locally and globally.
Nicole is currently pursuing her MBA with a concentration in Nonprofit Management, further strengthening her ability to lead mission-driven organizations with strategy and impact.
At the core of everything she does is a simple belief: every woman deserves the opportunity to start again, and the support to succeed.
“Knowledge is power – something no one can ever take away…”
