For Stephanie Nickens, giving back is at the heart of everything she does. As Director of Philanthropy & Community Engagement at Citadel Credit Union, Nickens leads initiatives that connect employees, nonprofits, and community members in meaningful ways.
From organizing volunteer opportunities to overseeing financial literacy programs and signature events like the Citadel Heart of Learning Awards, her work focuses on creating lasting impact across the region.
“What I enjoy most is engaging employees in meaningful opportunities to give back,” stated Nickens. “In 2024, I launched the Citadel Cares Employee Choice Awards, empowering employees to directly influence a portion of our philanthropic funding by nominating nonprofits, voting on finalists, and presenting award checks in person. Caring for our community and giving back are central to Citadel’s culture, and it is incredibly rewarding to help bring that to life each day.”
Nickens, who currently lives in Exton, was born in Philadelphia and raised in Bucks County before eventually building her life and career in Chester County. Her strong work ethic developed early — beginning with her first job at 14 at Wendy’s, where she quickly learned the importance of balancing speed with accuracy.
“I opened on weekends and worked the lunch rush in the summer,” said Nickens. “I’ll never forget my first manager, who had very high standards, emphasizing speed and accuracy. I quickly discovered the importance of doing things both quickly and correctly. That experience shaped my approach to work and helped build the strong work ethic I carry with me today.”
She later graduated from William Tennent High School and earned a degree in Communication Studies from West Chester University, later continuing her education with coursework in Leadership and Change Management.
Nickens says one of her proudest accomplishments has been evolving her role at Citadel into one that prioritizes community impact, helping to establish a dedicated team focused on service, volunteerism, and philanthropy.
“Through collaboration with leadership and a shared commitment to our communities, our Citadel Cares team built the momentum needed to elevate philanthropy into a strategic priority for the organization,” Nickens explained. “That collective effort ultimately led to the formation of a dedicated community engagement team, where I am grateful to now serve in a leadership role. Being trusted to lead the work I am most passionate about — and seeing its lasting impact — has been incredibly rewarding. And we’re only getting started.”
She credits her family as the most influential force in her career, especially during a pivotal moment when she stepped back to realign her professional path with her personal values.
“With my family’s support, I took six months to pause and explore new possibilities,” she said. “I was fortunate to find a role at Citadel that truly energized me and aligned with my values. My family continues to inspire me to be my best self, and that inspiration guides every step of my career.”
Outside of work, Nickens enjoys spending time volunteering at one of her favorite places, the Brandywine Valley SPCA in West Chester, where she and her family regularly support events and foster animals.
Looking ahead, her approach to life reflects the same intentionality she brings to her work.
“I’m not much of a ‘one day, maybe’ person,” she said. “If something matters to me, I make a plan and make it happen.”
So, rather than a single bucket list goal, Nickens is actively working her way through a growing travel list, turning aspirations into experiences along the way.
Nickens and the rest of the 2026 Class of VISTA NextGen Superstars will be honored at the Awards Reception & Celebration on Thursday, Apr. 30, at the Penn State Great Valley Conference Center in Malvern.
Sponsors are still being sought for the VNS Awards Reception & Celebration, with a portion of proceeds benefiting this year’s nonprofit partner, the Chester County Opportunities Industrialization Center (CCOIC). A sponsorship offers unparalleled networking opportunities, enhances your organization’s visibility, and aligns you with a celebration of excellence and innovation. Learn more about the various opportunities available to partner with VISTA Today as it honors Chester County’s next generation of leaders, or contact Steve Knickerbocker at [email protected] or 484-437-2826.
