Nicole Brener-Schmitz launched her political career with EMILY's List, where she played a key role in a state senate race in Oregon. She further honed her skills on Capitol Hill, serving her hometown Congressman, Brian Baird. In 2008, she joined the International Brotherhood of Teamsters as an Election Project Coordinator, quickly rising to the position of Political Director. In this role, Nicole was instrumental in shaping and implementing the union's political strategy, advocating for the rights of American working families, including initiatives for equal pay, fair trade, pension protections, safe workplaces, and collective bargaining. From 2018 to 2019, Nicole served as the National Political Director of NARAL, where she expanded the organization's political influence and acted as a liaison for elected candidates. Currently, she runs her own consultancy, NBS Strategies, where she has collaborated with numerous  organizations. Nicole is a proud 2006 graduate of Whitman College and resides in Bethesda MD, with her seven-year-old daughter.