Creativity Connects with Mikki Wilson is a Creative Collective podcast that goes beyond the brand and into the authentic journeys of women entrepreneurs who are members of the Creative Collective. Each episode, host Mikki Wilson sits down with a woman business owner from the Creative Collective community to explore her unique path, what drives her, and where she's headed next. This series illuminates the moments, motivations, and messy middles that shape women's experiences as creators and business leaders in the creative economy. Jenni Stuart Fine Jewelry supports this podcast series. From Military Service to City Hall: Nicole McClain's Journey of Women Veteran Entrepreneurs Few stories capture the essence of authentic service, such as Nicole McClain's journey, when we think about women veteran entrepreneurs. From military service to city hall, Nicole's path demonstrates how early experiences with community care can evolve into powerful systemic change. Episode Description Join host Mikki Wilson for an inspiring conversation with Nicole McClain, Army veteran, Lynn city councilor, and founder of the North Shore Juneteenth Association. From military service to becoming Lynn's first Black woman elected as City Councilor-At-Large, Nicole's journey demonstrates the power of entrepreneurial thinking, community service, and legacy-building. Key Conversation Moments: Nicole's transition from military service to community leadership and public service Developing an "entrepreneurial mindset" to advocate for herself in traditional workplace settings How being "closest to the pain" motivates her community service and representation work The importance of building with available resources rather than waiting for perfect conditions Legacy as daily motivation: creating progression for future generations About Nicole McClain: Nicole McClain is a multifaceted leader whose work spans education, community organizing, and public service. She serves as Career and Education Coordinator at Leap for Education, founded the North Shore Juneteenth Association in 2017, and became Lynn's first Black woman elected as City Councilor-At-Large in 2023. Nicole holds a master's degree in Educational Leadership and Policy from Boston College and served 11 years in the Army National Guard, with two deployments to Iraq. Connect with Nicole: Instagram: @CouncilwomanMcClain Facebook: @N4Lynn North Shore Juneteenth Association events and programming Credits: Hosted by Mikki Wilson, founder of Dot Connector Consulting Produced by Randyll Collum for Peabody TV A Creative Collective podcast Sponsored by Jenni Stuart Fine Jewelry