Cal State Fullerton Class of 2026 grad Nichole Gideon is a dedicated advocate for the unhoused.
For her advocacy work, Gideon garnered recognition in 2025 as one of the “125 Most Influential People in Orange County” by the Orange County Register.
The single mother of two, who has a disability, spent time living on the streets. She rebuilt her life after securing employment and federal assistance for permanent, supportive housing. Gideon then focused on fulfilling her longtime dream of returning to college and one day attending law school.
“Life happened,” Gideon said. “It wasn’t a linear road to make a stable life.”
Gideon graduated with honors and earned a bachelor’s degree from Cal State Fullerton. She double majored in sociology with a focus on deviance and crime. Her second major was philosophy, where she studied social, moral and legal philosophy.
“Cal State Fullerton has been a huge part of acclimating me back into society. I can’t begin to express how much the university, professors and staff have done for me,” she said. “It’s bittersweet to graduate.”
Gideon aspires to become a public law attorney to help others like her achieve. She currently serves on Orange County’s Continuum of Care board, which advocates to end homelessness, and is a member of the Lived Experience Advisory Committee.
“I want to drive social change from a legal standpoint,” said Gideon, who earned associate degrees in sociology and social and behavioral sciences from Cypress College.
On campus, Gideon found support and guidance from the Transfer Adult Re-entry Parenting & Pregnant Student Center and Educational Opportunity Program. She also gained leadership and advocacy opportunities through Project Rebound, which provides financial aid and academic resources to formerly incarcerated students pursuing degrees.
“Through Project Rebound, I’ve met other people who’ve defied the odds despite their circumstances,” she said. “I found a community of like-minded individuals who became a support system.”
Gideon also conducted an independent research project with four other formerly unhoused individuals to evaluate the services provided by Orange County homeless shelters.
“This project is important to me because people who are homeless rarely have a voice,” said Gideon, who is working on finalizing the results of her study.
To prepare for a law career, Gideon participated in CSUF’s Moot Court program, which simulates U.S. Supreme Court proceedings to prepare students for legal careers. In collegiate tournaments, students argue a case before judges using real case records.
“Nichole is a model student and extraordinary woman,” said Pam Fiber-Ostrow, professor of politics, administration and justice. “She has all the skills needed to be successful, including critical thinking, excellent analytical, legal reasoning skills and drive.”
As Gideon walked across the graduation stage, she celebrated her achievements and the completion of her university journey with her family by her side.
“The joy of getting to raise my kids is first and foremost my biggest accomplishment, followed by earning my bachelor’s degree,” she said. “And now, I’m one step closer to my dream of becoming an attorney.”