Nicole Maldonado is currently the Organizing Manager at ACLU Oklahoma. She is a Queer Latina who has been deeply impacted by the harmful and hateful rhetoric targeting women, immigrants, and 2SLGBTQ+ communities—and understands the importance of rallying communities to defend democracy and uphold dignity and rights for all.
Raised by a single mother and grandmother in Colombia, Nicole learned the value of resilience and strength early in life. She credits her educators for teaching her acceptance and belonging and attributes her passion for community to the influential women and leaders in Oklahoma who shaped her journey.
Nicole earned a scholarship to play tennis at Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant, where she studied Political Science. She has worked in politics on the campaign trail and at the Oklahoma State Capitol, including two years in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. In early 2024, Nicole ran for the Oklahoma State House to bring greater representation to underserved communities and to fight against injustices impacting marginalized groups. She was recognized as NextGen 30 Under 30 for her work as a community organizer and advocate and remains committed to championing the rights of communities most impacted by harmful policies.
She also serves as the Vice President of the LULAC Oklahoma chapter and represents Ward 2 on the Oklahoma City Community Public Safety Advisory Board.