Nicholas French

A resident of Southfield, Michigan, Nicholas French recently graduated from Cornell University with a major in Human Development and minors in Creative Writing and Law and Society. Nicholas’ passion for food justice and housing security began in his native Metro-Detroit, where he witnessed the hardships of hunger and the perseverance of the people who overcame it. Nicholas is especially proud of his experience as a Congressional Intern for the offices of former Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence and current Congressman Hank Johnson through the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. Through these experiences, Nicholas was able to conduct research on homelessness and basic needs in his community and provide resources for constituents affected by natural disasters and other issues, and he is excited to continue to grow as a leader.

Field placement: Feeding South Dakota

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Nicholas is developing a communication plan to educate the South Dakota local legislature on Food and Nutrition centered Social Welfare Programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. He is also developing frameworks to improve Feeding South Dakota's outreach methods to communities of color and racial equity practices.

Policy placement: The Brookings Institution

Washington, D.C.

Nicholas French is working with Brookings Metro to conduct research on Black wellbeing and economic strengths through the Valuing Black Values Initiative. Nicholas will be conducting research on Black populations in his native Metro-Detroit, specifically focusing on how food insecurity has been impacted by the city's recent economic revival. Nicholas also catalogues innovative business models, operating structures and centers of excellence in different places across the United States.

Publications