At the Institute for Women’s Leadership, we are proud to highlight students who embody the spirit of empowerment, confidence, and leadership that define Nichols College. This month, we are shining a spotlight on Ava Wyman, a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment and an inspiring leader on campus. Through her dedication to creating opportunities, fostering community, and challenging barriers, Ava continues to pave the way for future women leaders at Nichols and beyond. If you know someone who deserves to be featured in a student spotlight, please email iwl@nichols.edu.
Freshman Ava Wyman is passionate about two of the IWL’s core values—leadership and advocacy. A marketing major with a minor in political science, Ava hopes to make a meaningful difference both on and off campus. For her, leadership and advocacy go hand in hand. She explains, “Leadership means ensuring everyone’s voice is heard. It’s about standing up for people who can’t stand up for themselves.”
Ava has long been drawn to leadership roles and making a positive impact on others, serving on both the school committee and student council during high school. She was inspired to join the IWL through her desire to build meaningful connections and meet new people who share her values.
One of Ava’s greatest passions is advocating for individuals with special needs, something deeply personal to her and her family. “I have four disabled brothers, so I’m super big on special needs advocacy,” she shares. Recently, Ava began an internship with the Arc of Massachusetts through a program called Operation House Call, which teaches medical students how to provide compassionate and appropriate care to people with special needs. In addition to this work, Ava also speaks before state representatives on critical issues. “Lately, it’s been about increasing pay for social workers because it’s so low,” she says. “I make the same amount as my dad, and he’s been doing it for 50 years.” Ava names Maura Sullivan, a colleague at the Arc, as one of her role models, noting, “She’s done so much important work advocating for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”
As a freshman, Ava is still exploring her career path, but her ambitions are clear. With her combined studies in marketing and political science, she hopes to pursue a role that allows her to connect with others. “My dream job would be somewhere in sales or marketing—something that lets me network and be around people. I think I’m pretty friendly,” she says with a smile.
Beyond her involvement with the IWL, Ava is also a member of the women’s lacrosse team and holds an internship with Nichols Strength and Conditioning, where she helps other student-athletes in the weight room. One of her personal goals this year is to stay involved and continue building relationships on campus. “Getting my athletic internship was a big step,” she says. “I’ve met so many people, and I love saying hi to everyone I pass.”
Ava hopes to use her leadership journey at Nichols to uplift others and create positive change. “I want to get feedback from my peers and bring it to the higher levels of administration,” she explains. “I definitely want to push to make a difference for everyone at school.”
Originally from Lancaster, Massachusetts, Ava loves Oreos and is a big Ty Myers fan. Her favorite memory at Nichols so far has been attending a Woo Sox game with her team. If you spot her at a lacrosse game or in the athletics weight room, be sure to say hi to freshman Ava Wyman—an inspiring leader in the making.
Ava exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose, authenticity, and heart. Her commitment to empowering women and uplifting her peers reflects the core values of both the Institute for Women’s Leadership and Nichols College. As she continues to grow and inspire others, we are confident that her impact will extend far beyond our campus—serving as a reminder that strong leadership begins with the passion to make a difference.
