Episode 11: Nick Cotto

In a society that often values perfection, one woman is proving that true beauty lies in resilience, scars, and the stories they tell. Nick, a photographer, designer, and advocate, has dedicated her life to helping women see their scars not as flaws but as symbols of survival and strength. Through her nonprofit, We Are Not Broken, she captures the raw, unfiltered beauty of women who have endured trauma, illness, and adversity—showing the world that every scar carries a powerful story.

For many years, Nick found her identity in being a military and police officer’s wife. But when her husband transitioned to working in the church, she felt lost. Searching for her own purpose, she turned to photography, volunteering at her church’s photography team. She quickly realized that her passion lay in capturing people in their most vulnerable states—whether in joy or sorrow.

Her journey took a transformative turn when a longtime friend, who had undergone a double mastectomy after testing positive for the BRCA gene, visited her. Instead of a traditional portrait session, Nick suggested something bold: photographing her scars. The result was breathtaking—her friend’s mastectomy scars aligned perfectly with a butterfly tattoo, symbolizing transformation and rebirth. That night, Nick shared the image on social media with a call to women who felt broken, inviting them to share their scars and stories. She woke up to an inbox flooded with messages.  At that moment, she knew she had found her purpose.

Since launching We Are Not Broken, Nick has photographed over 500 women, each with a story of resilience. From cancer survivors to women overcoming domestic violence and childhood trauma, every session is more than just a photo shoot—it’s a moment of healing. Nick’s mission is to shift the way society sees scars. “Instead of looking at someone and asking what’s wrong with them, we should be saying, ‘Wow, look at what she’s overcome,’” she explains. Her goal is to turn pain into power, helping women reclaim their narratives and embrace their bodies.

One of her most memorable subjects was a young girl who had survived brain cancer. After enduring surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, she returned to school only to be bullied for losing her hair. Nick’s photo session gave the girl a new perspective—when asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, she confidently answered, “A supermodel.” That day, Nick made sure she felt like one.

Nick’s advocacy became even more personal when she was diagnosed with breast cancer herself. Despite years of supporting other women through their healing journeys, she found herself on the other side of the camera. True to her mission, she documented her experience through two powerful photo shoots—one with surgical drains still attached, and another after she had fully embraced her scars.
She knew that if she asked women to share their most vulnerable moments, she had to be willing to do the same.

Nick’s work is a testament to the power of storytelling, self-acceptance, and community. She wants every woman to know that healing is possible, that scars do not define them—they empower them.
“You might not feel it now, but there is hope on the other side of brokenness,” she says. “Turn your pain into purpose. Your trauma into triumph.” In a world obsessed with perfection, We Are Not Broken is a movement that reminds us all—true beauty lies in the strength of survival.  Because every scar tells a story worth celebrating.

Trudy Jacobson is proud to present Great American Woman, a web series dedicated to showcasing the stories of inspiring and ambitious female philanthropists and entrepreneurs. These women are leaders in their field, and their stories will motivate and encourage other women to pursue their own dreams.

Like Trudy Jacobson, these women are at the top of their game, and their tales will inspire and motivate other women to achieve their own aspirations.