Basic Info
| First Name | Kristin |
| Last Name | Hersh |
| Username | kristinhersh |
Additional Contact Information
| Pronouns | she/her |
Progressive Profile
| Current Occupation | Organizer |
| Tagline | Electoral Campaign Organizer |
| Bio | I never initially saw myself working in politics. I’ve always been deeply passionate about social justice and community, but I didn’t imagine politics would become the avenue through which I would create lasting impact. That changed when I began volunteering with the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition (CIRC) in response to the Trump administration’s immigration policies. What began as a commitment to support immigrant communities quickly evolved into a calling. Through CIRC, I developed a strong foundation in grassroots organizing and community mobilization. This work led me to take on a key leadership role as one of the original three organizers for the Women’s March on Washington’s Colorado team. Our mission was to raise funds to send as many women from Colorado to D.C. as possible. Through grassroots fundraising efforts, we successfully secured airfare and lodging for over 40 women—a testament to the power of community and collective action. It was through this experience that I discovered my passion and talent for organizing. My involvement with CIRC also connected me to the early formation of the Colorado Rapid Response Network, a statewide initiative designed to monitor and respond to ICE activity in real time. I was part of the founding ground team, helping build out a system that mobilizes volunteers to document and intervene in ICE encounters, protecting community members and raising public awareness. It was a complex and high-stakes project that is still active today, and I’m proud to have helped lay the groundwork for a resource that continues to support vulnerable communities.
Over time, what started as volunteer activism grew into a deep commitment to advancing progressive causes through organizing, advocacy, and coalition-building. I bring that same energy, strategic thinking, and people-first approach to every campaign and organization I work with. |
| Impact | As an organizer at multiple levels, I’ve had the opportunity to make a meaningful and measurable impact—one I’m proud to stand behind. In the 2022 midterm elections, I helped elect every down-ballot candidate in Colorado’s Congressional District 6. I also played a central role in the Yes on 2O campaign, a non-partisan initiative to bring affordable housing, a city park, and a grocery store to a designated food desert. Although the measure narrowly failed, the work we did resonated deeply with the community and brought attention to critical needs in underserved areas.
Still, I believe my most powerful impact has come from consistently showing up and speaking out—even before I worked in politics professionally. I began volunteering with the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition (CIRC) in 2015. My first experience assisting at a Naturalization Workshop left a lasting impression: a young girl pointed at me and asked her mom, “Why is she here?” That moment opened my eyes to how simply being present—especially as someone not often seen in that space—could challenge assumptions and quietly shift perceptions. From then on, I realized that impact isn’t just about policy; it’s about visibility, consistency, and connection.
I shared that experience with my network—largely made up of individuals from a white, suburban background like mine—and was able to begin bridging the gap between personal privilege and public responsibility. That moment led to broader conversations and action, helping others engage in issues they hadn’t previously considered personal.
In 2020, I formally stepped into the political arena through John Hickenlooper’s Senate race. What started as curiosity quickly became passion. I was energized not just by campaign work, but by the opportunity to bring new voices into the fold—especially people who had previously tuned out politics altogether. Translating complex issues into human stories has become one of the most impactful tools I use to drive awareness and build support. I don’t believe my impact has peaked—in fact, I think it’s just beginning. I’m committed to continuing this work with purpose, passion, and the belief that real change starts with showing up, listening, and lifting others alongside you. I’m excited to bring that same energy to an organization or campaign that leads with values, not just votes. |
| Mission | This cycle, I want to amplify the progressive message and make it resonate across communities that have long been underserved, overlooked, or disillusioned by the political status quo. With the rise of Ranked Choice Voting and recent victories by Democratic Socialists, we’re seeing clear signs that the country is ready for a bold, values-driven alternative—they just might not know it yet.
For too long, voters have felt forced to choose the “lesser of two evils,” while real solutions remain out of reach and our communities continue to suffer. I believe this is the moment to change that. I want to show that there is a better way—one rooted in inclusion, equity, justice, and community power—and I want to help people experience it through action, not just rhetoric.
This cycle, I hope to elect true progressives at every level—from school boards to the halls of Congress—and to help build a coalition that isn’t afraid to push for transformative change. Beyond this election, my goal is to continue fighting for policies and people that reflect our highest ideals and to remain grounded in the communities I serve. Ultimately, I want to help redefine what leadership looks like and to stand firm in protecting those most impacted by injustice—because the future we’re fighting for demands nothing less. |