Nicole Cacal is a highly regarded leader in the tech and entrepreneurship fields, with a passion for advancing the Filipino community. She is the Founder and CEO of Forbes Ignite, a consultancy advising global companies on how to innovate at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and social impact. Nicole is also the Founder and CEO of Katalista.org, a non-profit organization that supports leadership and entrepreneurship in the Filipino community. A dedicated lecturer at the Parsons School of Design and a visiting professor at the Pratt Institute, she teaches courses on financial management, business models, social innovation, and strategic technology to the next generation of diverse leaders. She also engages in-depth conversations with mission-driven individuals who are redefining success through the Forbes Ignite podcast, “Inner Wealth.”

Nicole holds a BBA in Finance & International Business from the University of Hawaii, an MSc in Strategic Design & Management from the Parsons School of Design, and an MSc in Technology Management from Columbia University.

She is an international speaker on topics such as design thinking, technology for good, and reciprocal mentorship.  A trained classical pianist, in her free time, Nicole enjoys photography, painting, writing, traveling and expanding her collection of signed 1st edition books.