Nicole Olaniyi

Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Nicole Olaniyi is an entrepreneur, educator, and social impact leader whose heart beats at the intersection of education, purpose, and transformation. Her journey began as a student activist and recipient of the prestigious Princeton Prize in Race Relations for Northern New Jersey (2016-2017), where she mobilized over 100 students to advocate for inclusive pedagogy, diversity training for staff, and curriculum reform in her high school.

Her passion for educational equity deepened during her time as an Elementary School English Teacher in Senegal, West Africa, and through her bilingual (French-English) research on multilingual education policy as a Princeton undergraduate.

  • Nicole’s commitment to academic excellence and community impact was recognized with the Lisa N. Bryant Award for outstanding achievement in Sociology and service to the larger community. As a senior at Princeton, she launched a consulting business specializing in social media marketing for social impact organizations, which grew into a multi-six-figure venture within its first year.

    That consulting success evolved into Selah Seminary, a non-traditional seminary helping ministry leaders clarify their purpose, build their brands, and expand their impact. Selah Seminary has reached millions and recently transitioned to offering all programs for free, ensuring accessibility for leaders from all backgrounds.

    Nicole’s dedication to purpose-driven academics led her to co-found Lionheart Coaching Academy. Drawing from her own experience of securing over $2 million in scholarships and eight full-ride offers, Nicole is on a mission to help high school students and their families achieve similar success. With a goal to assist 500 families in 2025, Lionheart Coaching Academy empowers students to align their academic goals with their life’s purpose while securing scholarships to graduate debt-free.

    Nicole has collaborated with esteemed institutions and organizations, including the Lily Foundation, Princeton Theological Seminary, and Seton Hall University’s Upward Bound program. She is also the author of The Unboxing: A Black Girl’s Journey of Mental Health, Faith, and Identity, a memoir that reflects her resilience and commitment to living with purpose.

    Through Lionheart Coaching Academy and beyond, Nicole Olaniyi is dedicated to empowering individuals and families to thrive, transforming lives and communities in meaningful ways.