SPOTLIGHT RACE: Nicole Sidman for NC-HD105
Growing up, Nicole was inspired at a young age by her mother who returned to school in 1975 to earn a law degree while caring for three young children. Seeing the struggles of a working mom in that era and living with three generations in a house full of political debates, lively discussions and more than a little healthy disagreement shaped Nicole’s views on fairness, equity and opportunity for all.
After earning undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Michigan, Nicole went on to practice law, with a brief foray into high school teaching. She then stepped back from her career to spend time at home with her son Charlie and her step-daughter Sophie. During that time, Nicole was a board member of the P.S. 40 PTA, where Charlie attended elementary school. She served as PTA President for a two-year term. She also volunteered as an attorney for the New York Civil Liberties Union and was co-founder of the Social Justice Committee at East End Temple in New York.
Nicole and Eric, her husband of 18 years, returned to Eric’s home state of North Carolina in 2017, moving to Charlotte with Charlie and their rescue dog Roxy. In 2018, Nicole served as campaign manager for Christy Clark’s successful bid as state representative for HD 98. Since 2021, Nicole has worked at Temple Beth El, the largest reform congregation in Charlotte, in various capacities, starting in the role as the part-time Social Justice Outreach Coordinator and currently serving as the Director of Congregational Life.
Since moving here, Nicole has worked within her community in a variety of ways. Whether it is working with Carolina Refugee Resettlement Agency, to help set up apartments for incoming families who were making Charlotte their home, or packing boxes at Second Harvest during Covid, Nicole is committed to helping those in need. In addition, Nicole has served on several teams raising money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, helping to collectively raise over $200,000 to fight blood cancers. She has also volunteered on numerous political campaigns, volunteered at polls on election days and worked with her local precinct to increase turnout.
In addition to working to foster engagement and connection within her community, Nicole spends her time discussing and watching football at great length with Charlie and Eric. She also enjoys cooking, reading all types of fiction, and sharing her Wordle score on the family text chain.
https://nicolefornc.com/