Barbara Gilchrist

Barbara works to advance equity in our public schools by building relationships with community members and organizations, developing partnerships, and strengthening stakeholder engagement to advance WA Charters legislative priorities. She is passionate about achieving a K-12 system that values the learning styles and needs of all students, supports and uplifts children of the global majority, and exemplifies true representation. Prior to joining WA Charters, Barbara was a Legislative Assistant in the Washington State Legislature where she helped members achieve their policy, communications, and constituent outreach goals. Barbara earned her B.A. in Global Studies, Psychology, and Political Science from Pacific Lutheran University, and is an M.P.S candidate for Security and Terrorism Studies at the University of Maryland, College Park. She has certified training in Basic Mediation, and is currently in her practicum to become a Mediator in Washington State. Barbara also sits on the Board of the Greater Tacoma Peace Prize and the Azia Book Awards, which celebrates and recognizes Children and YA books that depict multicultural and multiracial protagonists and families. In her free time, Barbara enjoys reading, knitting, and spending time with her family. Contact Barbara at barbara@wacharters.org.