Nelly was born and raised in the city of Chicago. She has been working at the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform since 1997 as the Administrative Assistant and Intern Coordinator.  Prior to joining ICPR she worked at the League of Women Voters of  Illinois as a data entry assistant and went on to become the organization’s administrative manager.  Nelly has participated in the Jalisco Federation of Midwest Clubs and her own club “Mezquiticenses en Chicago’. She has served on the board of directors for such organization who’s sole purpose is to help the less fortunate of there home town in the state of Jalisco Mexico.