Nicole Zwiercan crowned Mrs. America 2023

Nicole La Ha Zwiercan was crowned Mrs. America 2023 on August 20, 2022 at the West Gate Las Vegas Resort & Casino in Nevada, competing against 51 state titleholders. Mrs. Illinois America succeeds Mrs America 2021,   will compete for Mrs. World in December, in Las Vegas.

The newly crowned Mrs. America has an extensive professional performance and dance background having danced with the AFL’s Chicago Rush and the NBA’s Chicago Bulls from 2001-2010.  She graduated of The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Studio Fine Arts and Art History. In addition, Nicole has earned a degree in Science and Dental Hygiene from Kennedy King & University of Illinois at Chicago: College of Dentistry.

She currently works as Illinois State Senate Press Secretary & Spokesperson for the Minority Leader and she currently serves on the Board of Trustees for her hometown, the Village of Homer Glen. These two positions have perfectly situated her at the table with those who influence law and policy, granting her the unique opportunity to have influence both locally and beyond. With a background in the Studio Arts, dance, dentistry, and the media field, Nicole has a diverse scope of experiences and skill sets, of all of which she feels have prepared her to be her most impactful as a title holder, spokesperson, advocate, and community leader.

Zwiercan  is the mother of two, Cristiano (7) and Ashlynn (4). She chose to be an advocate for families living with special needs after her daughter, Ashlynn, was diagnosed with Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy diagnosis after birth. Her daughter has trouble controlling her body because of the syndrome and Zwiercan soon realize how difficult it was to take her shopping because of the lack of adaptive devices. Since then, the Zwiercan family has made the decision to proudly advocate for community inclusivity and accessibility, together. Nicole has dedicated her life’s work to her passion of inspiring a more kind and inclusive world working with foundations such as Special Olympics, and The Center for Independence Through Conductive Education. She has encouraged the village to make three public playgrounds more accessible.

Nicole is the first chairperson of the Ability Awareness Committee, a municipal organization that advocates for disabled individuals. They host monthly events for the Village that range from educational roundtable discussions to free sign-language classes. She is also a co-chair of the parks committee which has allowed her to have inclusive and accessible playgrounds built in her community. She is currently working with people from other regions across the nation to do the same. Nicole is responsible for the first GoTo Inclusive shopping cart in the Midwest, an initiative she is currently taking globally.

Zwiercan start in pageantry only after becoming a “Mrs,” Nicole has seen first-hand the positive impact pageantry has had in her life personally and professionally, but also globally in communities around the world. In 2016, Nicole won the title of Mrs. Illinois International, and in 2018, went on to win the title of Mrs. USA Universe. Nicole was chosen to represent the United States of America in Cebu, Philippines at the 12th Annual Mrs. Universe Pageant where she placed first runner-up out of 88 contestants from all over the world. She also was deeply honored to win the 2018 Mrs. Universe Humanitarian Award for her work within her community.

Nicole was named Mrs. Illinois 2022 in June for the Mrs. America system. She looks forward to partnering with them this year to not only continue inspiring community inclusivity, but also to work with the Mrs. America national platform the Victoria’s Voice Foundation to prevent drug addiction and save lives. Nicole would also like to help bridge the gaps in the available resources for disabled individuals. Unfortunately the disabled community is not immune to drug addiction. In fact, new evidence shows that people with disabilities are more likely, and at a higher risk, than the general population to misuse opioids and develop drug addictions. Sadly, they are also much less likely to receive treatment due to the difficulties of access to care.

Zwiercan