The City of Natchitoches is proud to congratulate Nicole Gray, Community Outreach & Grants Manager, for being selected as an Inaugural 64 Parish Passport Directory Honoree, highlighting her contributions to community and economic development, civic engagement, and service in Natchitoches Parish.
Gray will be recognized alongside other honorees during the 4th Annual Louisiana Leads Luncheon and Awards on Friday, October 9, 2026, at the Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center. The luncheon is hosted by the Louisiana Chamber of Commerce Foundation and presented by JPMorgan Chase. The event will bring together business, community, philanthropic, and civic leaders from across Louisiana to celebrate leadership, economic development, and individuals helping move all 64 parishes forward.
Born and raised in Natchitoches Parish, Gray brought more than 25 years of experience across the private, public, and nonprofit sectors when she joined the City of Natchitoches in 2021. As Community Outreach & Grants Manager, she identifies funding opportunities, builds strategic partnerships, and helps advance initiatives focused on infrastructure, economic development, community revitalization, and quality of life. Since joining the City, Gray has contributed to securing more than $35 million in competitive grant funding, helping transform community priorities into meaningful investments for Natchitoches and its residents.
“Nicole has a tremendous ability to take an idea, identify the resources and partnerships needed, and turn it into something that can make a real difference in our community,” said Mayor Ronnie Williams, Jr. “Her commitment to Natchitoches extends far beyond her responsibilities with the City. She is passionate about creating opportunities for our residents, supporting small businesses, and making sure Natchitoches has a voice at the table. We are proud to see her work and service recognized on a statewide level as an inaugural 64 Parish Passport Directory Honoree.”
Beyond her role with the City, Gray is the Founder and Executive Director of UPLIFT Natchitoches, a community-based organization focused on entrepreneurship and small-business support, civic engagement, and youth mentorship and development. She is also the owner of NSG Management & Consulting, specializing in business consulting, proposal development, and grant management.
Her commitment to civic and community leadership includes serving as a member-at-Large of the Natchitoches Parish Democratic Parish Executive Committee and as Cluster 2 Coordinator for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated – State of Louisiana. She also serves as Chair of the Social Action and Economic Development Committees for the Natchitoches Alumnae Chapter.
A 1995 graduate of Northwestern State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and a minor in Business Administration, Gray has maintained a longstanding commitment to her alma mater. In 2008, she organized NSU’s first Black Alumni Reunion, which has grown into an annual Homecoming tradition. Through the continued success of these events and the collective work of the NSU Black Alumni Alliance, the NSU BAA Endowed Scholarship was established to provide scholarship support for minority students.
Gray also co-founded the James Oliphant Memorial Golf Tournament in honor of her late father, helping fund the NSU James Oliphant Endowed Football Scholarship she established in 2008. Her university and community service has included leadership with the NSU Foundation, Demons Unlimited Foundation, NSU Black Studies Advisory Board, and Ben D. Johnson Educational Center. Her contributions have been recognized through honors, including the Delaney Distinguished Supporter Award, Alumni Volunteer of the Year, NSU Black Alumni Alliance Outstanding Service Award, NSU Foundation President’s Service Award, and recognition as a 2025 MLK Day Honoree by the Gail Jones Center for Inclusion & Diversity at NSU.
“I am deeply honored to be recognized as an inaugural 64 Parish Passport Directory Honoree and especially proud to represent Natchitoches Parish,” said Gray. “So much of my work has been about connecting people, resources and opportunities to move our community forward. I believe our smaller communities can be powerful places for innovation, entrepreneurship and leadership. This recognition encourages me to continue building partnerships and creating pathways that help the people of our community and throughout Louisiana thrive.”
The 64 Parish Passport Directory celebrates individuals making meaningful contributions within their communities and across the state.
Gray said she plans to use statewide recognition to continue expanding partnerships and creating opportunities beyond Natchitoches Parish. “My goal is for my legacy to be measured not only by what I accomplish, but by what I help others accomplish,” Gray said. “I want to continue opening doors for entrepreneurs, developing future leaders, strengthening communities and connecting people with the resources they need to create sustainable change. When our communities grow stronger, Louisiana grows stronger.”