MEET THE HONOREES

The 100 Women to KNOW Across America Award, presented by JPMorgan Chase is a recognition that showcases the most influential, achieved, and honorable women in our society. Following a nomination and interview process, these women entrepreneurs, executives, creatives, and philanthropists have not only grown their dreams, but have created boundless opportunities for the next generation of female leaders. These women exemplify what it means to be high-achieving and ambitious on the next level and continue to pour into their communities as they do so.

Nicole Peternel has 20 years of PR and strategic communications experience. She spent most of her career in Chicago, working with well-known brands such as the NFL, Kenmore, McDonald’s, Hewlett-Packard, Northwestern Mutual, and many B2B businesses. In 2018, Nicole founded Rein Communications, a public relations agency that caters to corporate and institutional clients worldwide. Her determination to create opportunities for small businesses led Nicole to launch her second agency, Little Bit Publicity, in 2022. Focused on deliverables, LBP offers affordable, targeted outreach that brings visibility and credibility to entrepreneurs, small businesses, startups, and nonprofits.

What advice would you give your younger self?

I would tell myself that no matter the trauma I’ve experienced, the hardships I would endure and the struggle it would be for me to find confidence and self-worth, all of these things are what would make me a strong-willed, empathetic and courageous leader. I would just need to learn how to love myself first.

What is your favorite quote?

“Ten years from now, make sure you can say that you CHOSE your life, you didn’t SETTLE for it.”