Kelsey Soltysiak

Language and storytelling are powerful tools to convey a purpose, shape our worldviews, foment empathy and mobilize progress. Kelsey joined Northwest Regional Education Service District in October 2019 to harness communications toward building trust in and support for a socially just public education system. She oversees both communications and Spanish-language interpretation/translation, where she and the rest of the team strive to make information accessible for diverse audiences.

Prior to NWRESD, Kelsey worked as the strategic communications officer for Clackamas Education Service District where she curated a student art show, convened local school communicators, and consulted for Hood River County School District. Kelsey was also the communicators director at Stand for Children Oregon where she worked on the Measure 98 campaign. Other prior professional and volunteer experiences include: President of the Northwest Trail Alliance, a volunteer-run mountain biking stewardship organization; AmeriCorps VISTA at Hacienda CDC; communications associate at JML Marketing + Communications; mentor with the Big Brothers Big Sisters and Higher Achievement programs.

Kelsey graduated with a BA in foreign language and visual media and a minor in graphic design from American University. She has also lived and studied in Heredia, Costa Rica, and Cartagena, Colombia. In her free time, she enjoys windsurfing, foraging, and practicing Polish.