Kelsey Borgeson

Kelsey Borgeson began working on behalf of children and youth as soon as she earned her master’s degree from Baylor University.

“I was so excited to serve with AmeriCorps and could not think of a more meaningful cause to commit my life to for the next year,” she said.

Borgeson worked with Reading Partners, which was then new to Dallas, during her time with the national service program. She remained committed to nonprofit work after her service ended, and transitioned to Project Transformation North Texas, which serves hundreds of children and youth through free, enriching out-school-time programming.

Borgeson, who is now Project Transformation North Texas’ director of development, is proud of both her decade-long commitment to the nonprofit and of how she pivoted in her role during the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges they faced, neither she nor Project Transformation North Texas let the global health crisis force them to scale back their goals.

In the summer of 2020, the project distributed more than 3,000 books to build at-home libraries, gave out more than 600 household supplies bags, and distributed more than 47,000 units of food to families, Borgeson said.

Borgeson has served in multiple other volunteer roles, including as a member the parent teacher association at her oldest daughter’s school.

What (or who) motivated you to get involved in the community?

As a mother, I am raising two girls who will be teenagers before I know it! My life is committed to affirming their inner power as they grow up before my eyes. They motivate me every day and I am also inspired by women who have been professional mentors in my life and shown me what loving my community well looks like. Their community-centric approach to both work and life motivates me daily.

Where do you see yourself and/or your career 10 years from now?

Ten years from now, I imagine I will still be working to advocate for children in some capacity given it is truly my life’s mission. I also hope I am still working in philanthropy because I believe in its power to create a connection that transcends racial, socioeconomic, and generational boundaries. I want to be illuminating and celebrating community assets through storytelling helping to hopefully shift the focus away from assessing only community “need” or what is lacking. If community assets can be elevated though philanthropy, the “multiplying effect” of mutual relationships makes way for community transformation. We talk about this all the time at Project Transformation North Texas.

What’s on your bucket list?

I grew up in Germany and taking my young daughters to Germany to see my hometown is definitely on my bucket list.

What accomplishment are you the most proud of and why?

I am most proud of the longevity of my commitment to the mission of Project Transformation North Texas (10 years!) and one of my proudest accomplishments is pivoting in my role during the COVID-19 pandemic, doubling down on my commitment to them, and leaning into the power of collaborative relationships.

What was your toughest business or personal challenge?

Currently, the uncertainty around federal funding for our young adult program is proving incredibly challenging and nonprofit leaders are charting a changing philanthropic landscape with a lot of uncertainty. Budget contingency planning is difficult, but I believe nonprofit organizations are uniquely positioned to affect positive change and so I remain hopeful.

How do you motivate yourself and others?

I am motivated by my faith in God as well as my family and friends. These core values guide my daily tasks as well as big life-changing decisions.

What was your “lightbulb moment” that led you to your career?

When I was a student at Baylor University, I volunteered at Dress for Success and showed up open-handed and said, “Please use me where you need me.” They drew the connection between my ability to write and their needs in both fundraising and communications. This was the first time I saw how the skills I was honing in school could be used in real time to help make a tangible difference in my community.

What’s a fun fact that someone wouldn’t know about you?

I am so proud of my multi-cultural background and I am both an American and Dutch citizen.

What would you tell an 18-year-old you?

You may feel like you are too sensitive, but bearing your heart helps other have the courage to do the same. Keep writing and trusting your heart over your head will get you far.

If you could buy a book (or rent a movie) for your neighbor, what would it be and why?

Wholehearted Faith by Rachel Held Evans is very thought-provoking and beautiful. I would definitely buy it for a neighbor looking to deepen their faith.

What advice do you have for other young professionals?

If you start my defining your core values and commit to letting those values guide you, you never need doubt your professional path.