Her Story
About Nicole
Nicole Hryczyk is a government contracting professional who specializes in subcontract negotiation and vendor compliance. As a Senior Subcontracts Administrator, she negotiates NDAs, processes redlines, reviews subcontractor proposals, and works with internal stakeholders to support government pursuits. Her career in the field began in 2020 with a move from the legal world, and she has since held roles at Amentum and LinQuest before joining STR, where she has advanced from Subcontracts Administrator to her current senior position.
Before entering government contracting, Nicole spent several years as a paralegal, first at North America Immigration Law Group in Ann Arbor and later at Weitz & Luxenberg PC in Detroit. She earned her bachelor's degree at Michigan State University, where she double majored in political philosophy and English literature. During her senior year, she completed a university-sponsored internship in Washington, D.C., working 35 hours each week. She is now a JD candidate at George Mason University's Antonin Scalia Law School, pursuing her degree at night while working full time.
A member of the National Contract Management Association, Nicole completed its Leadership Development Program in the summer of 2025, finishing with a capstone project and presentation. Her commitment to service includes an internship with International Justice Mission, work as a Cooking Matters class assistant with Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan, and mentoring for the Center for Success Literacy Program. Outside of work, she loves researching destinations and building her own itineraries, and in recent years she has embraced traveling solo.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Nicole
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my parents, who have always supported me. Their guiding belief was that as long as I was happy, healthy, and safe, they would back whatever path I chose. They have been my foundation and my biggest cheerleaders, never a source of criticism or judgment. Knowing there would always be someone to catch me if I failed gave me the confidence to take risks and try new things.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I received came when I was considering leaving the workforce to return to school. I was told to keep going as far as I could, and to pursue further education, training, or certification once the lack of it was holding me back from what I wanted to do. I was also told not to make choices simply because they make sense for other people. It's my career, and I should do what makes sense for me.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be curious, and talk to anyone whose work interests you. Deep down, people like helping people, so reach out to someone in a career you want to learn about, or someone who excels at a skill you want to build. Ask to meet for coffee or have a quick chat. You are never a bother when you make those requests. Be bold, ask as many questions as you can, and stay curious.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Our field is very fast-paced, and changes within the government directly affect the industry. Staying on top of compliance matters in such a rapidly changing environment can be challenging at times.
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