Wood headshot

Emerson Fellow

Kathleen Wood

13th Class, 2006-2007

Kathleen received her degree in Political Science and Psychology from Gonzaga University in 2005.  She has served as a mentor for at risk youth in public schools, coached Special Olympics, and worked on various projects involving immigration and youth leadership. Originally from Colorado, Kathleen interned for Senator Edward Kennedy in Washington, D.C. and traveled to the Balkans to research conflict resolution and reconstruction efforts in the region. She has also worked in Central America with indigenous cacao farmers and the Olancho Aid Foundation of Honduras, an educational organization with schools for special needs individuals and low income students.

Field placement: Alliance for Fair Food

Immokalee, Florida

Kathleen worked in partnership with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW), campaigning for fair wages and working conditions and an end to poverty in the agricultural industry.  She coordinated education and outreach to people of faith to raise awareness about the roots of farmworker poverty and to stimulate consumer will to transform the corporate food industry in support of farm workers.

Policy placement: Evangelical Lutheran Church of America

Washington, D.C.

As a member of the Policy Department, Kathleen participated in efforts to cultivate a faith-based voice for the common good in political decision-making.  Kathleen’s projects specifically addressed hunger policy related to the Farm Bill and included organizing national events to encourage church leaders and congregants to become involved in issues of hunger through political advocacy.

Publications