"I first worked with Kristin on a large, highly complex, grant-funded project that was rewarding and challenging in equal parts. We shared responsibility for engaging youth in the project and ensuring that their ideas were taken seriously. I saw and appreciated right away that Kristin genuinely respected the youth and was never condescending in her interactions with them. And as the two of us developed our working relationship, I was impressed by her honesty, creativity, flexibility and humor. There were many occasions where we needed to quickly change our plans, and she was always game to go in a different direction to adapt to new circumstances.
Since then, we've worked together on a number of other projects, and each time, Kristin not only produces quality work, but does so with enthusiasm, willingness to explore a variety of approaches, dedication, and commitment to building strong working relationships with colleagues and community partners. I look forward to the next time we collaborate!"
Sara Ryan, Multnomah County Library Teen Services Specialist
"As the Executive Director of Portland Meet Portland, I have had the pleasure of working with Kristin on Object Stories exhibitions and as a community partner in residence at the Portland Art Museum. Kristin and I co-created the educational and interpretive media programming around the Common Ground exhibition and involved things like public dialogue, producing podcasts, and working with refugees to provide content for the exhibition’s interpretive space. This partnership with Kristin was inspiring for me, for Portland Meet Portland, and for the broader Portland community, particularly those immigrant and refugee community members whose voices and participation are often neglected.
One of the most fundamental points I want to stress is Kristin’s instance on direct, hands on participation with refugee community members during our collaboration. This was crucial to our shared goal of cross-cultural learning and gives vital context to what Kristin feels is necessary to make sure refugees, and marginalized communities, can be truly relevant in their participation in the projects she leads. This kind of collaboration reflects how Kristin does not shy away from a persistent evaluation and evolution of herself as a community builder. A commitment to personal development and growth is at the heart of the spirit of her work.
Working with Kristin is a dynamic, collaborative, creative, and celebratory experience. She is truly concerned about the impact of her work on individuals, institutions, and the community at large to change people’s perspectives and hearts. The ability of those on the margins to meaningfully participate in and own the work, as well as their sense of belonging in the process, is always centered. And personally, working with Kristin feels more like the development of a friendship than a professional project. And that’s a rare thing."
Manuel Padilla, former Executive Director of Portland Meet Portland
"Kristin is a consistent advocate for designing experiences that are accessible intellectually, physically, and socially. She keeps her audience in mind and invites collaborators to think about diverse user experiences and how to engage as many perspectives as possible in the design process. She has helped her colleagues make their practices more inclusive and is extremely generous with her expertise and perspectives."
Sarah Lampen, former Portland Art Museum Access and Docent Programs Manager
"I had the opportunity to collaborate with Kristin on a series of storytelling projects at the Portland Art Museum. I appreciate her artistic touches, enthusiasm, approachability, strong work ethic, and commitment to building relationships with a diversity of people.
I admire Kristin’s ability to keep the big picture in mind, while also remaining flexible to meet the needs of various constituents. By taking the extra time to listen and validate experiences, she has not only created more inclusive and authentic representation, but has also championed these concerns as an advocate for social change. I look forward to future collaborations with Kristin!"
Paul Iarrobino, Artistic Director, Our Bold Voices