Marcelia Nicholson, a trailblazing leader and advocate, is the first Black and Latina Chairwoman of the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors. Born and raised in Milwaukee’s 53206 zip code, Marcelia’s journey from a public school teacher to a nationally recognized changemaker reflects her passion for equity and community.
Inspired by her experiences as a 4th grade teacher addressing barriers like food insecurity and violence, Marcelia transitioned to public office to create systemic change. She authored historic legislation declaring racism a public health crisis, being the first in the nation to do so, and pioneered efforts to make Milwaukee the healthiest county in Wisconsin by addressing racial equity.
Marcelia’s leadership extends to investing in Black-owned businesses and institutions, empowering youth through policy, and guiding the county to its first budget surplus in decades while protecting vital services.
Marcelia Nicholson is now in her third term as Chairwoman. In addition to her elected service, the Chairwoman sits on the Board of Directors for the Milwaukee Art Museum, the Milwaukee Public Museum, the Wisconsin Counties Association, Clean Wisconsin, the UW Extension Board of Visitors, and the Hispanic Professionals of Greater Milwaukee. Nationally, Marcelia serves as Co-Chair of Local Progress and works with the Progressive Governance Academy as a national trainer of new and first-term elected officials. In 2024, she was chosen to participate in Harvard Business School’s Young American Leaders Program, and was also selected as a member of the 2023 class of NewDEAL leaders, a selective national network of rising, pro-growth state and local elected officials dedicated to making government work to solve challenges facing their communities.
Marcelia’s honors include being named a Milwaukee Business Journal Milwaukee Area Powerbroker for the years 2020- 2024; Milwaukee Public Museum Honorary Co-Chair 2022; Excellence in Education Award from Milwaukee Public Schools; Milwaukee Business Journal 40 Under 40; Woman of Achievement Award; and the Inaugural Trailblazer Award from Young Elected Officials Network for national advocacy and political work.
Marcelia is a passionate advocate for her hometown. In her free time, she enjoys traveling the world and expressing her creativity through baking.
Her story is deeply personal for why she is participating—she lost her grandmother to colon cancer and has supported multiple cousins battling breast cancer. These experiences drive her commitment to ensuring we don’t lose another life to cancer battles and that we can lessen the pain for survivors and their families. Marcelia’s participation in Stepping with the Stars honors her loved ones’ struggles and helps create a tangible impact in the fight against cancer.