“Who better to help you through experiences than someone who has walked in your shoes?” That’s how Nicole Pullum, an AFGE Local 559 member and U.S. Army veteran, sums up her dedication to providing counseling services to other veterans. Pullum is working toward earning her Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision at Capella University. Her career path grew out of her personal experience with counseling while on active duty, where “[she] noticed a lack of counselors with military experience.” She hopes “to create future opportunities for veterans with an interest in serving other veterans through counseling.”

Pullum, a national certified counselor and a licensed mental health counselor, has worked for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs since 2016. She said her passion for working in the mental health field aligns with her dedication to her union, in which she serves as a steward. “The importance of being an advocate for those around me is what matters most. My decision to join the union was based on my heart of service to serve other people.”

Pullum was awarded the top scholarship amount of $4,000 from Union Plus to help support her graduate studies. Learn more about the Union Plus Scholarship program at UnionPlus.org/Scholarships.