YOUR REPRESENTATION MATTERS.

What started out as learning to advocate for my child with special needs turned into gaining first-hand experience with the legislative process in Springfield. Unfortunately, what I’ve seen from working in down in Springfield this past year is the continued misplaced priorities of our self-serving majority party, which continues to neglect the REAL needs of Illinoisans and those of the 82nd district. 

Illinois government needs a major reset and that must start with 

electing people who will make ILLINOIS FAMILIES A PRIORITY. 

As a mother of two young children, a disability advocate, and a passionate community member, having a unique and diverse history that makes me a strong asset for our district as a legislator both here at home, and down in Springfield. The people of the 82nd District deserve transparent, approachable, and authentic representation, and that is what you get from me as our district’s State Representative. 

MY EXPERIENCE  

As your State Representative, I currently serve on five committees which include Health & Human Services, Childcare Access & Early Childhood, Cities & Villages, Insurance as well as Police & Fire Committee. 

I was elected to the Village of Homer Glen Board of Trustees in 2021. While a member of the Village board, I fought and voted against all tax increases and made a profound impact on improving the livelihoods of our residents with disabilities. I am a founding committee member and the first chairperson of Homer Glen's very first recommending body dedicated to advocating for our disabled community called the Ability Awareness Committee, whose purpose is to promote awareness and enhance the quality of life for all persons with different abilities in our community. Prior to this, I served on the Homer Township Special Needs and Senior Committee. As a mother to a child with Cerebral Palsy and two senior parents I have become more aware of the needs of these overlooked and underserved communities and the need for stronger representation. 

I was proud to serve as the Illinois Senate Press Secretary for the 102nd General Assembly under Leader Dan McConchie and remained on Senate staff until December of 2023. 

This year, I was chosen for the Class of 2024 Edgar Fellows and was recently announced as a National Foundation for Women Legislators "2024 Elected Women of Excellence Award" winner. 

As a previous small business owner and someone with a wealth of experience in various capacities within the real estate industry I feel that I channel what I’ve learned to fully appreciate and best navigate some of the most important issues facing our state when it comes to our economy, inflation and rising property taxes. 

In 2022, I was honored to win the title of Mrs. America making me the second in Illinois history in the organization’s 46-year history. During my year of service, I toured the United States representing the organization, as well as advocating for community accessibility and inclusive parks for children who live with disabilities.  These efforts led to testifying on Capitol Hill with the Cerebral Palsy Foundation to fight for federal funding on behalf of those who live with Cerebral Palsy. Representing our great nation this last year has been one of the greatest joys of my life. 

Nicole's Personal Background

Nicole graduated from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2004 earning a BFA in Art History with an emphasis in Museum Curation and Fine Arts. Nicole later became a student at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) College of Dentistry/ Kennedy King College. In 2011, Nicole earned a Science and Health degree with a Dental Hygiene accreditation, and still holds an active health care provider license in Illinois today.   

Coming from a diverse cultural background, being of Hispanic decent on Nicole's mothers' side, and French-Canadian and German on her fathers', her family grew up rich with culture and new experiences. 

Nicole has lived in the 82nd District for most of her life and some of her favorite memories were and still are, visiting the beautiful parks and forest preserves our community has to offer. 

She has been married to her husband Dr. Christopher Zwiercan for 10 years and resides in Homer Glen, Illinois with their two children who are 10 and 7 years old.