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Victoria Mitchell
COO for GoodParty.org & Gifted Savings. Democracy Reformer. Chicago Speaker & Creator.
At GoodParty.org we’re building tech + a movement to transform our broken two-party political system! I also share my insights and life @victoriapmitchell (~10k on Instagram) and at www.victoriapmitchell.com
Before this, I was on the leadership team for Burning Man (a global cultural network of 1M+). I served as Director of Business Culture, where I oversaw the nonprofit's $45M revenue. While previously heading city planning, my volunteer teams facilitated 1,500+ groups coming to Burning Man to co-create a temporary city of 80,000 people in the Nevada desert. I created and led a major, city-wide cultural change effort called Cultural Direction Setting. My contributions were featured in Governing Magazine and covered by Forbes.
I was previously the Director of Operations at venture-backed, food-tech startup Zesty from early stage to raising $17M in Series A to serving 3 million+ meals. Zesty is now part of DoorDash. I began my career hustling in restaurants and cafes.
I learned how to be a facilitator, organizer, public speaker, and leader as a serial volunteer for 15+ years in social justice, community education, schools, and church. I currently volunteer for FairVote Illinois to bring ranked choice voting to Chicago and the state.
Navigating change, understanding different cultures, and parsing political perspectives have been necessities in my life. I’ve moved houses 20 times across nearly every region of the U.S. and parts of Canada. I never really fit in anywhere, which at times felt like a liability. Now I see it as a tremendous gift because I can’t help but figure out how to bring people together to make change.
Highlights
I honestly didn't think of myself as creative. Even though it's been 4 years, I still get asked, "That's so cool that you used to work for Burning Man...so what kind of artist are you?" And I'd say back, "Hah, no. I'm more like an organizer of artists, not an artist. They're the creative ones."
Part of this was contrast...being surrounded by unbelievably artistic people, I didn't feel worthy of that word by comparison. But that started to shift when my ex, a research scientist, called me on it. He agreed that I'm definitely a systems thinker...but also definitely a creative one. I disagreed with him at first. But over time he got through to me by reflecting back what I've actually done (...a.k.a. created). He was right. Thankfully, that word is no longer off limits.
Given that, it's truly wild that there's a podcast episode titled "Using Curiosity To Uncover Your Unique Creativity Style" ...that's an interview with me! Five years ago I never would have thought my name could be attached to a phrase like that. But it is! It's on the Reframe to Create podcast by the amazing Joy Spencer, CPC here: https://lnkd.in/gZHQqxNB
Joy is a fantastic human. I observed her storytelling work online for several years before reaching out to her six months ago. I highly recommend her podcast - start with our conversation and perhaps her perspective and work will inspire you like it did me.
Cheers to the "not creative" ones harnessing the power of creation to make what matters to us happen!
Know any Volunteer Managers or Organizers who’d like to make people matter more than money in our democracy? Good Party is hiring! We’re looking for a highly social, impact-driven activator to build and lead our volunteer movement. They've got "startup" experience building volunteerism from the early days to at least 1,000 active volunteers.
You can help by hitting "Repost" below and sending the job link directly to anyone who comes to mind for this exciting role! I’m happy to take direct intros to potential candidates.
Also, you can sign up for Good Party updates by dropping your email at https://www.goodparty.org
Tagging the following amazing people at the intersection of volunteerism x government, politics, and social movements – if any referrals come to mind, would so-so appreciate that & hope you're doing well! Megan Miller, Marnee Benson, Bryant Tan, Christopher Breedlove, Molly Rose Levine, Matt Sundquist, Emma Weisman, Sam Goldman, Will Chase, Jess Hobbs, Laurie Lenninger, Kelly Bruce, Sarah Cohan

