Nicko Spehn is SPAAR Hero

When Nicko Spehn became a Realtor® five years ago, she was eager to find a nonprofit to support in Shakopee, where she has lived for the past 12 years. This commitment led her to Shakopee Community Assistance, a faith-based organization that provides essential items like diapers, clothing, and feminine products to families in need throughout Scott County.

“Those who run Shakopee Community Assistance are incredibly dedicated, and I wanted to contribute,” Nicko said. She donates up to five percent of her net proceeds and, as an avid pickleball player, recently raised $1,000 through a pickleball event she organized, with plans for more in the future.

Nicko made the transition to real estate after being laid off from Centrepoint Energy in 2019, following a 30-year career. The severance package she received allowed her to finally pursue her long-held dream of becoming a Realtor®.

“After passing my real estate exam, I went straight to SPAAR to get started,” Nicko recalled. “As soon as I walked in, I saw banners highlighting decades of housing discrimination in the Twin Cities, and I knew I had to take action. I joined the DEI committee to learn how I could help, which eventually led to my roles as chair of the DEI committee, a member of the Government Affairs committee, and service on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee at SPAAR. I’m also involved with the Women’s Council of Realtors®, where I’ll serve as President in 2025, focusing on empowering women in leadership.”

Nicko's roots run deep; her parents are from the Rondo neighborhood, a two-time grant recipient of the REALTORS® Charitable Foundation that has partnered with SPAAR on various initiatives.

“It brings me great joy to contribute my time and resources,” said Nicko, reflecting on her childhood volunteer work with organizations like UNICEF and the Ronald McDonald carnival. “My volunteer efforts have positively impacted me both personally and professionally. I encourage anyone not currently engaged with a nonprofit or SPAAR to take that first step and get involved.”

Congratulations, Nicko, on being named a SPAAR Hero! The SPAAR Hero program is a part of SPAAR’s Community Engagement Committee, sponsored by SPAAR’s REALTORS® Charitable Foundation. Articles about SPAAR Heroes, including this one by Erica Brodd, are written by members of SPAAR’s Communications Committee.

Email spaar@spaar.com to nominate someone as a future SPAAR Hero.