When Nicole Milovich-Walters moved back to Palos Park in 2000, she never imagined she would one day lead the village as its mayor. But looking back, the path to public service was always there. It was a path woven into her many years of leadership, volunteerism, and unwavering commitment to the community she calls home.
Born in Palos Park, Milovich-Walters moved to Palos Heights at the age of four and spent her childhood there before leaving for college. Years later, she returned to where her heart always resided, Palos Park. There, she and her husband, Todd, raised their family and built a life rooted in community service.
“Having grown up here and choosing to return to raise my family, I deeply understand and appreciate what makes Palos Park special,” she said. “It’s an honor to be entrusted by residents to serve and represent our village. My lifelong ties and active involvement in the community make this role a natural extension of my passion for service.”
Milovich-Walters’ passion for leadership and civic engagement began early. As a student at Palos East, Palos South, and Carl Sandburg High School, she was involved in nearly every activity available.
“I played volleyball, was a cheerleader, and a State Champion Eaglette,” she said. “I was involved in theater, Orchesis, speech team, mathletes, French Club, Swing Choir, Summer Stock community theater, Swim Guard, choir, and student council.”
She even successfully advocated for a pop machine at her school for after-hours use.
After high school, she attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, earning a Bachelor of Science in Dance Performance Choreography with a minor in Theater Construction. She went on to dance professionally for modern dance companies in Madison and Chicago before pursuing a law degree at John Marshall Law School.
She built a career that allowed her to balance work, family, and community service. She founded Nicole Milovich Inquiries, specializing in pre-employment screenings, and later partnered with her husband, Todd, to establish Walters Law Group.
“Being self-employed provided me with the flexibility to be present for my children while also dedicating time to meaningful volunteer work in my community,” she said.
It was her return to Palos Park in 2000 that led her toward public service.
“When I moved back to Palos Park, I was passionate about preserving our green space, which led me to join the Palos-Orland Conservation Committee,” she said. “While serving on the committee, I met John and Mirella Mahoney, with John serving as the village’s police commissioner at the time. That connection later led to my appointment to the Recreation Board by Mayor Baca.”
Her work on the board deepened her interest in civic engagement. When an opening on the Village Council became available, her husband encouraged her to take the leap.
“Todd reminded me, ‘Isn’t this what you always wanted to do?’” she recalled. “That encouragement led me to run for office.”
Milovich-Walters was elected as the Recreation and Public Works Commissioner, a role she held for four consecutive terms before running for mayor in 2023.
“Through these roles, I gained deep knowledge of our village’s needs and priorities and connected with the people who make Palos Park such a great place to live,” she said.
Beyond her official duties, she has been a dedicated community volunteer.
She actively continues to contribute to the community by volunteering with various organizations, including serving four years on the Stagg Athletic Booster Board, seven years as a Girl Scout leader, and being involved in the Palos Lions Club, the Palos Park Woman’s Club, the Auxiliary Board of the Crisis Center, the Southwest Conference of Mayors, and the Metropolitan Mayor’s Caucus.
Despite the demands of her role as mayor, Milovich-Walters stresses the importance of work and personal life balance.
“I make time for exercise four to five days a week, including strength training, Pilates, yoga, and cycling,” she said. “I also enjoy spending time with my family, playing with my dogs, and occasionally cooking.”
Above all that she has done and continues to do, Milovich-Walters hopes to set an example for the next generation.
“I hope to inspire my daughters to be strong, independent women who are compassionate and actively contribute to their community,” she said.
From student leader to professional dancer, attorney, business owner, and now mayor, Milovich-Walters’ journey is a testament to her commitment to Palos Park. As she leads the village into the future, she remains focused on what has always mattered most – caring for the community she loves.
Editor’s Note: This is part of a series of stories highlighting the accomplishments of local women in honor of Women’s History Month
