#324 Nikolina Vujcic Interview: Miss Illinois USA 2025

Each week, I share no-fluff pageant coaching that helps you win. Both on stage and off. After coaching titleholders in Miss Universe, Miss USA, and Miss America, and 350+ pageant interviews, this isn’t theory. It’s what works.https://thepageantproject.com/subscribe👑 About NikolinaNikolina Vujcic was born and raised in Des Plaines, Illinois, and is a proud first-generation Serbian-American. Trilingual in Serbian, Spanish, and English, she embraces her multicultural background with pride. The only child of two loving parents, she was immersed in her culture from a young age, spending her early years performing Serbian folklore dancing—a tradition she carried through high school. A lifelong performer, Nikolina also found her love for dance and cheerleading, participating throughout middle school, high school, and college.She attended Loyola University Chicago, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing while also excelling as a collegiate Student-Athlete. As a member—and two-year captain—of Loyola’s first-ever competitive cheerleading team, Nikolina helped lead the team to a historic Top 10 finish at UCA Nationals. At just 22 years old, she became a Registered Nurse and began her career in the Pediatric Emergency Department of the very hospital where she was born.As a pediatric ER nurse, Nikolina is committed to delivering holistic care while minimizing the emotional trauma children may experience during emergency visits. Her compassion extends beyond the hospital walls—she has a deep passion for service, encouraging others to use their individual gifts and talents to create meaningful, lasting change in their communities.Nikolina’s service has reached the international stage. Most notably, she traveled to Lourdes, France, where she volunteered at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, assisting pilgrims—both sick and well—at the sacred baths believed to possess healing waters.Looking ahead, Nikolina plans to further her education by pursuing a Master’s Degree in Nursing Education, followed by Nurse Practitioner school with a focus on fertility. She hopes to help minimize the stress often associated with fertility care and one day open her own fertility clinic—an inclusive, empowering space where women feel supported, heard, and respected.Her dedication to combining purpose with passion is what fuels her drive to serve, inspire, and lead with a servant’s heart.👉 Follow Nikolina on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nikolinaavujcic/⏱️ Timestamps* 0:00 Intro and bio, Des Plaines roots, trilingual background, Loyola nursing* 7:30 Name pronunciation tips, Serbian pride, role models and first-pitch story* 15:00 Parents’ pageant love story, immigration journey, family values* 22:30 Chicago favorites, Miss USA timeline, switching into competition mode* 30:00 Balancing ER shifts with prep, routines, coaches, and accountability* 37:30 Crowning night memories, imposter syndrome, staying present and grateful* 45:00 Returning to the hospital after winning, staff support, meaningful fan moments* 52:30 Career vision, nurse practitioner track, interest in women’s health and fertility* 1:00:00 Femininity and holistic care, patient story that shaped her philosophy* 1:07:00 Closing reflections, faith, gratitude, and hopes for impact at Miss USAI offer a limited number of private coaching sessions per month for women serious about elevating their pageant journey. Click below to book yours.https://thepageantproject.com/coachingPageantry is evolving, and you deserve coaching that’s more than surface-level. Book in if you’re ready to go beyond the crown. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thepageantproject.com/subscribe