Jackie Walorski was born and raised in South Bend, Indiana. As the daughter of a South Bend City Fireman, Jackie learned the value of sacrifice and service. Her family valued hard work and instilled in her a love of community and country. Jackie attended Riley High School and went on to graduate from Taylor University in 1985.

Jackie began her career as a television reporter for WSBT-TV in South Bend. After that, Jackie worked to raise funds for local colleges, first as the Director of Institutional Advancement at Ancilla College in Marshall County, and then as the Director of Develop for Indiana University South Bend.

In 1995 Jackie married Dean Swihart, a schoolteacher in Mishawaka. As active members of their church, Jackie and Dean became passionate advocates for humanitarian relief work. In 1999 they moved to Romania where they founded their own agency to help provide much-needed medical supplies to the country's impoverished children.

Jackie and Dean moved back to Indiana in 2003 where shortly thereafter, Jackie was encouraged to run for the Indiana State House. She was elected in 2004 to represent District 21. Jackie rose to leadership quickly in the caucus and was appointed as the Assistant Floor Leader. As a member of the State House, Jackie serves on the Family, Children and Human Affairs, as well as the Public Policy committees.