#328 Nicole Taylor Interview: Miss Illinois Volunteer 2026

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 NicoleNicole Taylor, Miss Illinois Volunteer 2026, is a conservation major at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Assistant Director of Gardner Camp, a nonprofit youth outdoor education center. Her S.E.R.V.E initiative, Exploring Inclusion, promotes equal access to the outdoors by breaking down barriers for everyone.Nicole believes no matter someone’s age, gender, background, or identity, there is a place in the outdoors for all. With a social media reach of over 100,000 followers she uses her platform digitally and in person volunteering to inspire others to discover that everyone belongs in nature.👉 Follow Nicole:https://www.instagram.com/nicoleataylor2004/https://www.tiktok.com/@nicoleataylor2004⏱️ Timestamps* 0:00 Intro and bio: Miss Illinois Volunteer 2026, conservation major, and founder of Exploring Inclusion* 7:45 Camo meets crown: balancing college, nonprofit work, hunting, and pageantry* 13:20 Handling judgment and staying authentic online* 17:40 The bow-shop encounter that launched her pageant journey* 25:10 Conservation 101: how hunters fund environmental protection* 31:50 The viral owl call and what it taught her about confidence* 39:45 Traveling across 21 states: modeling, hunting, and TSA stories* 48:10 Building a 100K platform to promote inclusion in the outdoors* 1:05:30 Landing her dream job as Assistant Director at Gardner Camp* 1:16:50 Faith, gratitude, and preparing for Miss Volunteer America 2026I 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