Nicole Coakley is committed to guiding youth to success [Video]

MassLive recently asked readers to identify people they consider Black leaders in Massachusetts, working to make a difference in politics, education, business, the arts or another area of interest.

Profiles of these leaders will be published leading up to the Juneteenth holiday on June 19. These are people our readers have identified as inspirational, who may be doing good acts for their communities. They are being recognized for their accomplishments, leadership and commitment to inspire change.

Nicole Coakley

Age: 43

Community: Springfield

Her story: Nicole Coakley is a leader and activist in the Springfield area who focuses on education and youth issues but has a wide-reaching area of interest and influence.

Coakley was born in Springfield but grew up in Charleston, South Carolina, where she attended Garrett Academy of Technology and earned her cosmetology license and a scholarship to any South Carolina state university through the National Honor Society.

While completing her law degree …