Ep. 16 - How to Become an Elected Official w/ Nassau County Legislator Olena Nicks

In this episode of Policy & Culture, we are joined by Olena Nicks, Nassau County Legislator and proud native of Uniondale, New York—a community with a long-standing tradition of civic participation and grassroots advocacy.Olena shares her inspiring journey from a civically engaged youth to becoming one of the youngest elected officials in Nassau County. Drawing from her deep roots in Uniondale, she discusses the impact of local government on everyday life, the power of informed communities, and the importance of amplifying voices that have long been underrepresented in political spaces.Topics covered in this episode include:The history and civic strength of Uniondale, NYOlena’s personal path to public serviceStrategies to increase civic engagement among young peopleThe responsibilities of local elected officialsA vision for an inclusive and forward-thinking Long IslandThis episode is a compelling call to action for current and future leaders alike—highlighting that real change begins at the local level and that our communities are strongest when leadership reflects those it serves.About the Podcast:Policy & Culture is a platform dedicated to bridging the gap between power and the people. Hosted by Dan Lloyd and Drew Ayodeji, each episode explores the intersection of politics, community, and cultural influence—through candid conversations with changemakers who are shaping our future.🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more thought-provoking discussions on leadership, policy, and civic power.#PolicyAndCulture #OlenaNicks #UniondaleNY #LocalPolitics #CivicEngagement #NassauCounty #CommunityLeadership #PublicService #YouthInPolitics #FutureOfLongIslandSupport the showThanks for tuning in to Policy and Culture, where we bridge the gap between policy and culture. We're your hosts, Dan Lloyd and Drew Ayodeji.If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform. You can find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and wherever else you get your podcasts.For more content and updates, follow us on social media:Instagram: @PolicynCultureVisit our website at www.policynculture.com for articles, videos, and more in-depth analysis on the topics we discuss.Have a question or topic suggestion? Email us at [email protected], staying informed is the first step to making a difference. Until next time, this is Policy and Culture, empowering you to understand the world around us.