Nicole Cacal is a visionary leader in the tech and entrepreneurship fields, known for her innovative approach to problem-solving and her commitment to advancing the Filipino community. As the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Katalista.org, a nonprofit organization that supports tech and entrepreneurship in the Filipino community, she has made a significant impact in the industry. In addition to her work with Katalista.org, Nicole is also the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Forbes Ignite, a consultancy that advises leading companies on human-centered AI and innovation (Forbes Ignite is a license partner of Forbes Media, LLC). As a professor at the Parsons School of Design and the Pratt Institute, she teaches courses on financial management, business models, social innovation, and technology to the next generation of leaders. She also hosts the Forbes Ignite podcast, Inner Wealth, which features in-depth conversations with mission-driven individuals who are redefining what it means to be successful today. Nicole is a well-respected speaker on topics such as design thinking, technology for good, and transformative mentorship.

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. A trained classical pianist, in her free time, Nicole enjoys photography, painting, writing, traveling, and is proud of her prized collection of signed 1st edition books.