Introducing Claire Gallegos

Over the summer of 2020 we hosted an online learning cohort of Kansans called the Kansas Animator Network. The group learned principles of Asset Based Community Development and sought out ways to incorporate them in their local community work. We were thrilled to receive additional funding from the Rural Democracy Initiative which will allow us to host another cohort and develop a statewide asset map as an extension of what we learned.

To help with that effort we have hired Claire Gallegos as a statewide organizer to recruit cohort members, network with similar organizations, and make connections on our behalf. Claire is a great addition to the team and we can’t wait for her to begin starting in the new year.

Here is a word of introduction from Claire…

Allow me to introduce myself:  I am Claire Gallegos and I am excited to be a part of the Neighboring Movement team! I am a life-long Kansas resident, and an alumni of Wichita State University, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Business Administration, Economics and a Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, with a minor in Spanish. I am currently working towards my Master of Business Administration at Washburn University. I was recently married and in my free time I enjoy home remodeling and queso sampling. 

Throughout my professional career, I have seen first-hand that progress can occur via the Legislative process, but even more importantly, I have learned there is a critical need for each resident to be empowered to ensure lasting change. Over the past four years, my professional experience has been in the field of political fundraising, including the campaigns of Paul Davis and Lynn Rogers. I have served in various legislative roles as well, most recently as the Finance Director for the Kansas House and Senate Minority Leaders.

I am devoted to the value of community stewardship, and the foundation of these principles was nurtured during my experiences attending Kansas public schools. During these formative years, I was fortunate to participate in a variety of leadership opportunities which helped ignite my community organizer goals.  I discovered the Neighboring Movement through a community mentor and I am so glad she encouraged me to apply!  I have a passion for servant leadership and through my work with the Neighborhood Movement, I hope to be a passionate advocate and empower others in our region, working together to make a difference in our community and communities everywhere!