Nicole Vasquez
Your Expert in the Future of Networking 🤝🤖 | CEO of MBD Partners | Concierge Connector to Top Executives | Award-Winning Activator | 3X Exited Founder
Miami, Florida
Skills
Education
- CC
Work Experience
2024
Chief Executive Officer
2024
MBD Partners is shaping the future of connection: in-person, online, and by training AI. We make trustworthy, organic introductions for executives and guide companies building AI to ensure their products reflect how real human connection works. We work with executives and companies in three core ways: 🔹 For Executives & Teams We help you get in the right rooms and build trust that leads to high-impact opportunities. Whether it’s curated introductions, small-group gatherings, or team training—we design the strategy and make the connections. 🔹 For Companies Building AI Your AI can’t replicate human connection unless it’s trained by someone who understands it. We guide product and ML teams on how to design systems that reflect the nuance of trust, influence, and credibility—so their technology gets it right. 🔹 For Insights on the Future of Networking We share our expertise with media, researchers, platforms, and forward-thinking companies shaping how networking evolves—online, offline, and with AI. Drawing from decades of experience in relationship and community building for business, we offer insight into what’s coming, what’s changing, and how to design for meaningful connection in the future. Learn more at: www.mbd-partners.com
Strategic Advisor
2023
Mia AI is an education platform and global community upskilling corporate employees in AI.
2022 - 2024
Chief Operating Officer
2022 - 2024
Founded in 2006, Refresh Miami is the oldest and largest community of technology professionals Miami with over 16,000 members, and the premier news organization reporting on tech and startup news in Miami. Refresh provides strategic partnership opportunities for companies looking to grow their presence locally, and plays a key role in convening leaders with a vision of making technology opportunities accessible to all.
2015 - 2022
Co-Founder & Chief People Officer
2015 - 2022
**Acquired by Yardi in 2025** Deskpass is a technology company connecting people to the amazing workspaces they need today, to help companies create the hybrid workplaces of tomorrow. We've built the world's largest network of independent, on-demand bookable workspaces, partnering with over 1,500 independent businesses across 20 countries. Our shared vision—that independent workspaces can collectively attract enterprise clients—has proven successful and continues to thrive post-acquisition. Learn more at: deskpass.com
2017 - 2022
Co-Founder & Chief Strategy Officer
2017 - 2022
**Acquired in 2022** Second Shift is a growth-focused coworking space and online community with a mission to support, promote, and connect our members while driving positive social impact in the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago. Additionally, we are a Community Building Planning and Training Company: We help people plan, launch, and grow communities, or increase engagement and profitability amongst their existing community. We work with membership-driven organizations such as chambers of commerce, trade associations, fitness studios, neighborhood groups, political or special interest groups, nonprofits, online communities, coworking spaces, and more.
2018 - 2021
Head of Strategy
2018 - 2021
Our mission is to support women by providing funding that allows them to make significant progress on a creative project or business venture - in other words 'to move forward.'
2014 - 2018
Founder, President, and Community Connector
2014 - 2018
**Acquired in 2018** The Shift provides a convenient, local work space for individuals, teams, and small businesses with all the productivity-boosting amenities of a downtown office - without the hike! With a full calendar of small business classes and professional development workshops, plus a vibrant in-person and online community of innovative, driven professionals from a range of industries - The Shift is your community coworking space to be more productive, get things done, and get connected.
2016 - 2017
Contributing Writer
2016 - 2017
Authored articles for Chicago Inno, distilling complex insights on innovation, entrepreneurship, community development and coworking trends for a diverse readership, demonstrating adaptability in tone and style.
2013 - 2015
Founder, President, Creative Director
2013 - 2015
The mission of BLEND is to build stronger communities by constructing creative and interactive environments, cultivating conversation, and connecting people. BLEND hosts a variety of events and activities specifically designed to connect Chicago residents with their neighbors while engaging with and learning about: local businesses, innovative individuals, community organizations, public officials, and more.
2011 - 2014
Business Consultant & Sales Associate
2011 - 2014
As a Business Consultant, I provided valuable product knowledge and usage strategies that improved my customers' operating efficiency, customer service capabilities, and overall profitability. As a Sales Associate, I partnered with local foodservice operations and paired them with ingredients and supplies that were best suited to their own individual business needs. The products I provided offered variety, quality, and consistency which were essential to the success of their businesses.