This is a season of change in our community and here at WSCO. We are excited to share the addition of two incredible community organizers to our team: Clara Ware, and Cintya Canales! We’re also announcing the upcoming transitions of staff Leah Shepard and Michael McDowell to wonderful new opportunities, and while they will be greatly missed, we are so proud of the work they’ve done over the years here on the West Side. You can see all of WSCO's current staff and board members here. For job announcements, click here.
Welcome new WSCO organizers!
We are thrilled to announce the addition of two new organizers to our staff at WSCO! Please join us in welcoming Clara Ware and Cintya Canales to our housing justice team!
“I am an activist and organizer on the Westside and Eastside. I am also a graduate student at Hamline University where my degree is the Master of Nonprofit Management and Focus in Public Policy. My goal is to change and help empower and educate renters to stand up and advocate about housing injustices and create affordable housing. I will run for County Commissioner for the East Side in 2022.”– Clara Ware, WSCO Housing Justice Organizer
"Hello WestSide, my name is Cintya Canales. Some of you may already know me, as I grew up on the WestSide. I was a member of the WestSide Boys and Girls Club for most of my childhood. I also belong to an amazing traditional Mexica Aztec dance circle that works close with the Westside community. I am happy and honored to be a part of WSCO as a Community Housing Justice Organizer. I am dedicated and focused on making the Westside a better place! I love helping people and staying close to the needs of my community. I look forward to working side by side with you all.” – Cintya Canales, WSCO Housing Justice Organizer
Cheering you on in your next endeavor, Leah!
We celebrate Leah Shepard, as she leaves her position at WSCO to step into exciting new opportunities. Leah deeply and genuinely cares for her fellow neighbors and her community, and has been dedicated to keeping WSCO running smoothly for the past four years as our staff administrator. Leah was born and raised here on the West Side, and started working for WSCO in 2016. Leah has contributed greatly over the past four years in support of the West Side community, and has done much to get WSCO to where we are today as an organization. Although we are sad to see her go, we know she will find her way back to us in the neighborhood. If you have come to know Leah, when you see her say around the neighborhood, please join us in wishing her well!
An important announcement from our organizer Michael McDowell
WSCO Community Organizer Michael McDowell has announced that he will be concluding his work with us at the end of June. Don’t worry, we’re not saying goodbye yet– you’ll see him organizing WSCO’s Baker Land project this Spring, including an important community event to be announced for May 20th. Michael reflects, “I've been working for WSCO a little over a year now and love all that we've been able to accomplish. Westsiders have a deep love for their neighborhood and it's been a joy to work with you all in building Westside power. I have been able to build some friendships and work relationships I see lasting a lifetime. This is not a goodbye but more so a see you later as I transition into a new phase of my life.” We are indebted to Michael for the work he has done organizing our Equitable Development Scorecard Team, leading West Side Voices forums, and showing up in so many ways for our community. Thank you, Michael!