Meet Marcelia

Marcelia Nicholson is an award-winning activist, and the first Black woman and Latina elected as Chairwoman of the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors

Born and raised in Milwaukee, Marcelia Nicholson knows firsthand the challenges that come with growing up in 53206—one of the nation's poorest and most incarcerated ZIP codes. She's made it her mission to create opportunities for others who may not have had the same chances she did. Whether it's fighting for working families, championing public education, or promoting economic development and community empowerment, Chairwoman Nicholson is a tireless advocate for those who need it most.

Chairwoman Nicholson is a proud product of Milwaukee Public Schools and graduated with honors from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Before she was first elected to the Milwaukee County Board in 2016, She was a 4th grade teacher with Milwaukee Public Schools. As a dedicated educator, she worked with other advocates and members of the Milwaukee Teachers Education Association (MTEA) tirelessly to improve teaching and learning conditions for all educators. She was recognized as a passionate advocate for social justice unionism, and her work was featured in the Fall 2016 edition of the National Education Association magazine.

As a former union activist and community organizer, she is well-informed on the issues that matter to her constituents. She has authored and sponsored several significant pieces of legislation, including an eviction reduction program, a $15 living wage ordinance, a resolution establishing Juneteenth Day as a major holiday, and a declaration of racism as a public health crisis, making Milwaukee County the first in the nation to make such a declaration. She has also secured increased funding for County parks, advocated on behalf of women of color entrepreneurs, and fought for criminal justice reform.

In addition to her position as Chairwoman of theMilwaukee County Board of Supervisors, she sits on the board of directors of several community and national organizations, including Local Progress, the Milwaukee Art Museum, and the Milwaukee Public Museum. Chairwoman Nicholson also serves as the Director of Civic Engagement and Independent Political Power at the Center for Popular Democracy.

In her free time, Chairwoman Nicholson is a national trainer for the Progressive Governance Academy, where she trains progressive elected officials across the country on various skills, including transitioning to public leadership and setting an agenda. She also has a passion for baking and owns her own business baking cookies, cakes, and sweets.