NIKKI Tetrault
Company: Dealer.com
Title: OEM Program Manager
Age: 27
Favorite Part of Job: I am currently an OEM Program Manager for Dealer.com, where I enjoy bringing my project management and digital marketing background to the Automotive Industry. A leader and organizer at heart, I strive to create positive experiences for my colleagues and my clients. Solving problems with effective solutions for our partner businesses is often complex and requires creative thinking. This role allows for me to continually evolve my professional 
skillset.
Most Inspiring Mentor: My most inspiring mentor is my Mom. My mom has been leading the charge as an SPHR for the last 20 years. Most recently, she has taken the bold step to venture out and launch her own company, Capstone Certified HR Advisors, LLC. She is a fearless leader and continues to keep me motivated to conquer the road ahead.
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: I am a die-hard New England Patriots fan. Although people do usually know that about me, they might not know how superstitious I am. Our family has season tickets so often times, we can be found tailgating in the same parking lot, wearing the same socks, and doing the same pre-game ritual. Go Patriots!
What three words best describe you: Decisive. Organized. Motivated.
What song on your playlist are you ashamed to tell your best friend: The Climb - Miley Cyrus. While extraordinarily embarrassing today, this song was a real hit from Hannah Montana back in 2009. If you listen to the lyrics, it’s an incredibly motivational song about embracing the journey on all your challenges. Sometimes you win, sometimes you fail but either way, keep charging forward. Best enjoyed in a long car ride by yourself, singing like no one is watching. I promise you, you’ll feel inspired after.
Favorite Vermont Escape: East Burke, VT. A couple small restaurants, one ice cream shop, one tiki bar, and some of the best mountain biking in the state. Find yourself a nice Airbnb with an outdoor jacuzzi after a long day of riding, it is the perfect Vermont escape.
Favorite Downtime Activity: Walking my two dogs, Finley and Brady, in the woods.
Favorite Super Hero: Wonder Woman, obviously.
Favorite Social Media: Instagram - I love the photos and keeping up with people without a political agenda (mostly). Facebook - Being away from family is tough sometimes, but Facebook helps keep me connected to them daily.
Person you would like to share a Vermont beverage with: Ellen DeGeneres. If you’re reading this (don’t worry, I will send you a copy), I will make it to one of your shows one day!
If you had unlimited access to funds, which causes would you support: There are so, so many. But I’d start with supporting the Human Rights Campaign because all people should not have to fight for their basic equal rights, and be able to be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in their communities.
What is the best career advice you have received: The best career advice I have ever received was from a previous manager of mine who told me to not take myself or my career to seriously and to be nice to people. Every person you meet is a potential bridge to a new opportunity.
What else would you like to accomplish in the next 5-10 years: In the next 5 years, I’d love to find a way to make time to be a volunteer Guardian Ad Litem (GAL). A guardian ad litem is a person that a court appoints to investigate what solutions would be in the best interest of a child. I’d love to be able to influence the lives of kids and help make unbiased recommendations in interest of protecting their future.
What motivated you to live and work in Vermont: Vermont is full of innovative businesses and socially responsible companies where they focus on more than just their bottom line. Because of our smaller population, there is plenty of opportunity to make a meaningful impact on things that matter. In Vermont, your work has meaning and the quality of life is unbeatable.
Career Highlights: At the beginning of my career in Vermont post graduating from Champlain College, I worked for 1% for the Planet, a nonprofit organization focused on bringing dollars and doers together to accelerate smart environmental giving. I worked from their Digital Engagement Specialist, running all social media channels, to being there Marketing Manager. During this time, I collaborated with a network of over 5,000 business and nonprofit partners on marketing campaigns, brand positioning and events. I also lead our Ambassador and Media Partner programs in effort to increase our global brand awareness.
I began at Dealer.com as a Digital Advisor where I managed, optimized and provided digital marketing strategy for client portfolio’s in website and digital advertising. In February, I sought out an opportunity on our OEM Services department as a Program Manager. As a Program Manager, I build and maintain relationships with OEM’s, large automotive groups and other key partners. I enjoy engaging in and forming cross-functional teams to develop solutions to important and complex problems. I enjoy being accountable successful program outcomes and ensuring that we are delivering the right solution at the right time. Recently, I embarked on a mission to become a Project Management Professional and receive my PMP Certification.
Community Involvement: I am a Founder and Co-Chair of the Pride Employee Resource Group at Dealer.com. Pride was founded in hopes to create and support an inclusive and authentic workforce, workplace, and marketplace where all members of the LGBTQ community are welcome and embraced. We work to accelerate Dealer.com as a leader in celebrating the LGBTQ community across the automotive ecosystem. We plan to celebrate differences between us by providing support through events within our business and community. By increasing awareness both at Dealer.com and in our local community, we will collaboratively create a positive, educational movement of human diversity and kindness toward others. Annually, we participate in the Vermont Pride Parade & Festival, organized by Pride Vermont and the Fire Truck Pull, organized by Outright Vermont. In addition, we plan a number of events throughout the year focused on our company culture, personal and professional development, diversity and inclusion, as well as insights and innovation.
I am also a participant and volunteer in the Women with Drive Employee Resource Group at Dealer.com. We exist to champion the rights of women with the support of all genders by establishing a forum for networking, idea sharing, and education related to personal and professional development. All people are welcome and encouraged to go events to broaden their horizons and gain new insights. Women with Drive sets a standard for inclusion and equality across the Cox Automotive Burlington location and our surrounding community.
Outside of Dealer.com’s Employee Resource group work, I have participated in various other volunteer opportunities at Camp Ta-Kum-Ta, ReSource Burlington, All Breed Rescue, Intervale Center and the Vermont Land Trust.
