Women are the heart of our community—leaders, innovators, and change makers who inspire us every day. Their contributions shape our town and the world around us.
Dr. Kim Nichols, Board-Certified Dermatologist, Founder of NicholsMD
FLM: Tell us a little bit about yourself and your connection to Fairfield.
Dr. Nichols: My connection to Fairfield County runs deep, as I have been living in and serving patients here for the past 12+ years. With my first dermatology office having a home base in Greenwich, and my second in Harbor Point, expanding business to the beautiful Fairfield community was an obvious choice upon opening my third total skincare destination.
FLM: What inspired you to pursue a career in dermatology?
Dr. Nichols: With my deep love for science and creativity, I’ve always been drawn to the unique and personal connection between doctor and patient. I initially considered plastic surgery, as it perfectly blended my passions for art and science. However, I realized that surgery lacked the patient interaction I valued. Dermatology, turned out to be the ideal balance of everything I wanted in my medical career. Beyond medicine, I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to build something of my own. NicholsMD & SkinLab by NicholsMD are boutique-style dermatology practices that combine cutting-edge treatments with a personalized, luxury experience. We specialize in a holistic approach to looking and feeling your best, combining cosmetic dermatology, medical aesthetics, and vitality services – all with a focus on enhancing each individual’s natural beauty.
FLM: The juggle is real. Any insights?
Dr. Nichols: Navigating a historically male-dominated field while balancing career with personal and family responsibilities can be challenging. I’ve worked hard to earn respect, prove my expertise, and overcome biases. Through perseverance, mentorship, and self-advocacy, I’ve created a career that aligns with my professional goals and personal values.
FLM: What do you find most fulfilling about your work?
Dr. Nichols: There’s such a strong focus on health, wellness, and supporting local businesses, which makes Fairfield such a tight-knit, caring environment. The most rewarding aspect of my career is the ability to combine my passion for patient care with the opportunity to build and shape a practice that aligns with my core values. I love the challenge of managing a business while still being hands-on with my patients. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see how my work empowers both my team and my clients, and I love being able to create a space where people can feel confident, valued, and cared for.
Lori N. Jones Director of Programming and Operations, The Quick Center
FLM: What is your connection to Fairfield?
Lori: I moved from North Carolina to Connecticut in fall 2013 for a job at the Quick Center for the Arts. It was a big leap of faith but moving to this community has been one of the most impactful decisions I ever made! I sometimes still think I'm "new" here but the community has welcomed me with open arms, allowing me to grow in my career and make incredible friends. I love knowing all the great spots and things to do.
FLM: What inspired you to pursue a career in arts and education?
Lori: Arts and education are just naturally intertwined. Artists have such an incredible way of looking at the world's issues and sharing their culture and perspectives in a way that helps us celebrate different aspects of our communities. I want to be sure all people, especially youth, know that the arts can help them be more creative, empathetic, problem-solvers that their community needs. With this in mind, I have always folded education work into my programming work. The Quick has been an important resource for the community. We double-downed on our impact over the last 12 years, ensuring that more than 3,000 K-12th grade students annually gain access to our artists through workshops, school shows, internships, and mentorship opportunities.
FLM: What role does the arts play in bringing the community together?
Lori: Fairfield University has made a strong commitment to community partnership and the belief that great art enriches everyone’s lives. As part of the new Center for Arts & Minds, the Quick is one of 14 partners that bridge the gap between our campus and the larger community through meaningful collaborations and experiences that are open to all.
FLM: Are there any upcoming programs you're excited about?
Lori: We are excited to launch the Quick's 35th anniversary season. Fairfield University has created an incredible season of programming as part of America 250, honoring the semi-quincentennial of our country. From artists to speakers and events on and off-campus, we worked closely with community partners to offer an amazing array of programming.
FLM: What do you find the most rewarding?
I love standing in our lobby and seeing folks from all walks of life come together to enjoy the ephemeral experience of being together in the theatre for unforgettable moments.
Robyn Drucker, Principal, Cohen & Wolf, P.C
FLM: Tell us a little about yourself and your connection to Fairfield.
Robyn: I am a corporate and commercial real estate attorney at Cohen and Wolf, a law firm with offices in Bridgeport, Westport and Danbury. My husband and I moved to the Stratfield section of Fairfield in the summer of 2016. Our son is in first grade, and our daughter is entering kindergarten. We love our neighborhood!
FLM: What inspired you to pursue a career in law? Was there a defining moment?
Robyn: There really wasn’t a defining moment - I just knew I wanted to help people. I thought that a law practice would allow me to help people with their legal problems and the resources to give back to the community, which has always been important to me.
FLM: Can you share a moment when you felt especially proud of your impact on the industry or community?
Robyn: I don’t have a single moment but a culmination of moments. I am extremely proud of the work that our law firm has done to create meaningful partnerships with local non-profit organizations. Whether we are teaching students interview skills, sponsoring a gala or 5k, or organizing a hygiene product drive for people in need, it is rewarding to know that we are
helping people and that the ripple effect of our help will be felt in the broader community.
FLM: What’s a non-legal skill that has surprisingly helped you in your career &/or life?
Robyn: People often think of effective lawyering as aggressive and even hostile. There will always be a place for that in our field, but I have been surprised to see that my empathy and my drive for collaboration and community building are valuable and effective skills; they allow me to problem-solve in a different way and they push me to establish genuine, lasting and supportive relationships with clients, colleagues, and community partners.
FLM: You were recently honored by The Chamber (Congratulations!). Can you reflect on that and what it means to be recognized as a pillar of business in our community?
Robyn: Thank you! As a transactional lawyer, I have the opportunity to work with and learn from so many women at all stages in their careers, and to observe the special and unique skills that set women leaders apart. I was honored and humbled to have been recognized for these same skills and accepted the award with all these women in mind.