FOUNDER

Nicole Mendez is a Philly native, Puerto Rican, and neurodivergent Educational Advocate whose life has always been shaped by the intersection of identity, family, and the fight for equity. As the parent of a son with special education needs, she knows firsthand what it means to sit across the table from a system that wasn't designed with your child in mind — and to refuse to accept that as the final answer.

That lived experience is the heartbeat of everything she does. Nicole's work is rooted in the belief that every student carries limitless potential, and that a quality education isn't a privilege — it's a right worth fighting for.

A founding member of the PA Inclusion Collective and COPAA member, Nicole holds a Bachelor of Science and has completed SEAT 2 training. Her advocacy extends far beyond the IEP table: she created ESEL, a PADDC-funded project aimed at dismantling the school-to-prison pipeline, and Executive Produced Divided Attention: When The Children Who Need The Most Receive The Least — an Emmy-nominated documentary exposing the urgent need for mindfulness programming and equitable school funding.

Nicole founded Mendez Advocacy to do what she has always done — show up, speak up, and make sure no family has to navigate the system alone.

DOG

Lovey is a Philly born Pup who supports diversity, equity, and inclusion. An excellent nonverbal communicator. She exudes love and enjoys scratches, getting the zoomies, and loafing about showing off her pink coat. Lovey is a certified emotional support dog who loves to receive as much emotional support as she gives.