Shelby joined Chinook Fund in December 2023 as the Development and Communications Manager. Shelby believes in community engagement as one of the key ways to foster social change. It is that belief that led her to pursue a Master of Social Work, and ultimately to community organizing work. Much of her past work experience has been with the disability community, including campaigns around Medicaid Expansion and college access for students with intellectual disabilities. At the heart of her work is a core belief in the need to uplift and amplify constituent voices.
Shelby grew up in a white, upper-class family, with parents raised middle-class. Her participation in the Giving Project in Spring 2021 fundamentally changed her relationship to money. She moved from an individual savings mindset to one that now centers the sharing and redistribution of resources. In her role with Chinook Fund, Shelby is most excited about the opportunity to invest in the many different organizations that Chinook Fund supports, grassroots groups leading powerful and creative social justice work across the state.
Shelby lives in Boulder. Outside of work, she enjoys baking, riding bikes, playing board games, spending time outdoors, and visiting with family and friends.