Exploring a Run – Spring 2024

Only 2% of people in the U.S. will run for office in their lifetime, and it can be a lonely experience, especially for first-time candidates.

With Leadership for Educational Equity (LEE), members don’t have to explore a run alone.

Our elite and diverse network of leaders and experts are gathering on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at 7 PM to 8 PM ET to speak to members who are considering a position in elected service. Exploring A Run is a 60-minute virtual workshop covering the challenges, lessons, and revelations of running for office.

Attendees will gain clarity on the next phase of their leadership journey and access tangible next steps to plan their next moves as they move forward with their elected leadership journey.

Meet Your Faciliatators & Speakers

Holly Lim, Director of Civic Leadership Development at LEE | Facilitator

Holly is building a pipeline of diverse and equitable elected leaders. She was previously a political consultant for bold progressive BIPOC candidates, with a 100% win rate for clients who progressed to their general election. She previously led programs and trainings at a national PAC with 1,500 potential candidates annually and contributed to nearly 700 every-day people filing for candidacy in 2022-2023.

Prior to consulting, she was the Program Director of Public Allies Bay Area, where she hosted Mrs. Michelle Obama for a conversation with young adult leaders on leadership and equity. She has also taught at local Bay Area community colleges and holds an MA in Asian American Studies and a BA in Political Science/Law & Society. Her graduate research focused on the leadership pathways, styles, and frameworks of women of color leaders (electeds, appointed leaders, organizers, and staffers) in the political field.

Kalen Gallagher, Director of Candidate National Recruitment & Development at LEE | Speaker

Kalen started his career as a 7th/8th grade social studies teacher in San Jose, CA. He eventually left the classroom to join an early-stage EdTech startup. Seeing a need for a change-minded voice, Kalen ran for his local school board in 2012 and was elected. He served for 10 years (the final 6 as Board President). He was part of the leadership team (along with another elected LEE member!) to bring some huge changes to how the district serves its students.

Kalen also is the Founder of New Leaders Council – Silicon Valley and Code for San Jose. At LEE, Kalen has worked with 100s of members exploring making change through elected office. In his spare time Kalen enjoys watching way too many movies, unhealthily obsessing over his favorite sports teams, and showering his nieces and nephews with gifts.