Nicole Kurian

Nicole received her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Policy Analysis and Planning at the University of California, Davis. As an undergraduate student, she directed waste diversion and sustainability programs as Unit Director of the Campus Center for the Environment.

Before joining Californians Against Waste, Nicole started in the California State Senate as a Legislative Aide. There, she staffed member bills and policy committees like Environmental Quality and Business, Professions, and Economic Development. She was also part of the API Legislative Caucus Institute Staff Academy, which teaches leadership and political skills to AAPIs in California politics.

As Legislative Director at Californians Against Waste, Nicole serves as a lobbyist and coordinates the organization’s legislative advocacy efforts. She also collaborates with stakeholders and uses creative strategies to research, write and pass essential plastics, reuse, and environmental justice legislation. She most recently worked on Senate Bill 1046, which made California the first US state to ban produce bags, and her work has been featured in Vogue, Politico, and People in addition to other publications. In her free time, Nicole is an avid vintage homeware collector, enjoys horror films, and is always tending to her large collection of houseplants.

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