Nicole Fortner is the Founder and Managing Director of Hire Up Consulting LLC, a career development firm based in New York City. Raised between Maywood, IL, and New Orleans, Nicole earned a Political Science degree from the University of Iowa in 2007. After graduation, she moved to New York City, landing opportunities with three premier organizations across healthcare, human resources, and career development. Passionate about giving back to underserved communities, she has helped thousands of homeless individuals find employment and worked as a community advocate between medical offices and state programs to make mental health care accessible.

After more than a decade in the field of helping others find their dream jobs, Nicole launched her own company, Hire Up Consulting LLC. She offers guidance to prepare job seekers at every level, from new grads to C-suite executives, for success with services, including career portfolio writing, job coaching, and job placement.

When Nicole is not working, you can find her in Central Park on the basketball courts playing a game of pick-up. She currently resides in New York's Upper Eastside neighborhood with her soon-to-be husband, Jonathan, and their 19-month-old son, Jackson.