Distinguished Educator and Scholar

Educator

Professor of Political Science, De Anza College

Nicky teaches introductory classes in U.S. Politics and Government, Grassroots Organizing, Race, Gender, and Liberation and Political Theory. He views his primary job as training students for political empowerment through critical thinking and exposure to a critical assessment of the U.S. political system. Nicky also provides many opportunities for students to engage in grassroots political action. For almost all of his students, most of whom are working while in school (many full-time), his class is their only exposure to a critical view of U.S. politics. For more details go to Nicky’s De Anza College teaching website.

Policymaker

Congressional Fellow, Office of Senator Paul Wellstone (D- MN), Washington, DC (2001)

In the spring of 2001 while on sabbatical from De Anza College Nicky was a Congressional Fellow in United States Senator Paul Wellstone’s Washington, DC Office. Nicky worked chiefly with the education staffers in mitigating the damage of what subsequently became the mis-named “No Child Left Behind Act.” He was also active advocating for increased financial aid for college students from poor and working class families.

Local Advocacy

  • Fair Housing Center of Marin County (fair housing counselor-1987-1988)

  • The Asian Law Caucus (summer clerk-1986)

  • National Center for Youth Law (NCYL), San Francisco, CA (Editor and Administrative Assistant, 1982-1985)

  • The Youth Project (field representative-1981-1982)

  • The People’s Law Office, Chicago, IL (legal assistant-1980-1981)