Reimagining Community Philanthropy

Nicole Salazar (pictured above) is a familiar presence in Dubuque’s neighborhoods. As an officer in the Dubuque Police Department, she builds relationships with community members to understand how she can support them in her role.

Her service to the community doesn’t stop at the end of her shift, though. She continues to give back in other ways, including as a member of both our Women’s Giving Circle and Board of Directors.

“When I go home, I take my badge off, and I’m just like anyone else,” Nicole says. “If I need help, people help me, so I always like to pay the favor forward and help others when I can.”

Nicole came to Dubuque from Chicago to attend Loras College, where she earned her criminal justice degree. She fell in love with the city and joined the police department after graduation.

She sees her police work and and her charitable efforts as two sides of the same coin. As an officer, she sees community needs first-hand, and through the Foundation, she can support nonprofits that are addressing those needs in a systemic way.

“Giving back or being a voice for somebody in need — that is exactly what I love to do,” she says. “That’s why I do it on the job and why I do it on my time off.”

The individuals who serve on our Board of Directors are local leaders who strengthen communities and inspire giving by laying out a bold vision for Dubuque’s future and supporting that vision with gifts of time, talent and treasure. Meet our board members