Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Mary Koharchick

Bakersfield,CA

Summary

I have a strong background in grassroots organizing, labor advocacy, and policy-driven initiatives that center around economic, racial, and climate justice. I’ve worked extensively with labor unions, public officials, and community organizations to build coalitions, engage stakeholders, and mobilize people around critical issues.

Through my work, I’ve successfully translated complex policy and financial topics, including state and county budgets, into accessible, action-driven strategies for diverse audiences. I’ve also led advocacy efforts, facilitated trainings, and created equitable spaces to empower communities.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience

Work History

Grassroots Coordinator

Consumer Attorneys of California
02.2023 - 02.2025
  • Facilitated relationships between attorney-members, elected officials and candidates
  • Increased the presence and influence of CAOC in Northern & Central California
  • Increased member participation and attendance at events.
  • Provided key member details, adding logistical support to the Administrative team.
  • Identified, recruited and retained attorney-member participation in the grassroots efforts of the Legislative, Political and Organizational operations at the State office
  • Served as the CAOC- Liaison to the DE&I Committee; membership attendance increased, participation increased, and funding increased.
  • Appointed to serve the DE&I Committee leadership role of Secretary, a role that is usually chaired by attorney-members.
  • Fielded outreach to Assembly and Senate candidates seeking endorsement.
  • Researched candidates extensively, including candidate viability, campaign funding, polling data, district background and demographics.
  • Coordinated 29 candidate endorsement interviews, composed of 5-7 attorney-members serving on the panel.
  • Prepared the panel member's recommendation for endorsement, to present to the Executive Board.Committee for approval.
  • Built relationships with candidates serving as their point of contact, coordinating campaign events, fundraisers, meet and greets, etc.
  • Organized relationship building opportunities between candidates and members. One member canvassed on a Saturday with his family- this is the first time a member has ever knocked on doors for an endorsed candidate.
  • Supported the Legislative Advocates by mobilizing members - to contact key targets in the legislator to support a bill or oppose.


Lead Director – CD 22

The Outreach Team - Vote Blue
09.2022 - 12.2022
  • Managed a team of 20 - 30 canvassers, set and exceeded goals, held staff accountable.
  • Trained and provided ongoing motivation and support to staff.
  • Identified, promoted, and trained a leadership team.
  • Built a diverse team where staff felt respected, while fostering a culture of equity and justice.
  • Implemented quality control measures to ensure integrity of the work.
  • Maintained a healthy and safe working environment for all staff.
  • Developed strategic plans to reach targeted voters / constituents in assigned locations.
  • Managed administrative duties, including reporting data, record keeping, processing payroll, and distributing materials.

Board Member

Faith in the Valley
01.2016 - 12.2021
  • Provided policy and Human Resources guidance, including regularizing and standardizing benefits and pay.
  • Interviewing of potential employees, and monitoring of organization’s budget.
  • Developed procedures and guidelines for the organization.
  • Base building, leadership development, and event / action planning.
  • Worked with multiple levels of staff and volunteers to develop goals and execute plans for listening sessions, 1:1s, candidate interviews, lobby days, town hall meetings, and elected official meetings.
  • Voter registration drives, vote-by-mail and GOTV campaigns.

Executive Secretary

Law Offices of Christopher Martens
02.2020 - 02.2021
  • Managed multiple scheduling calendars, scheduling trials, court appearances, hearings, case reviews.
  • Maintained office supplies, re-stocking, ordering, billing and payment.
  • Communicated with clients, relaying information to the attorneys and other parties involved.
  • Received payments from clients, created effective methods to receive timely payments.
  • Maintained client’s files while adhering to a strict level of confidentiality.
  • Hired and oversaw office staff.

Union Organizer

United Domestic Workers of America
05.2018 - 02.2020
  • Recruited IHSS caregivers around the successes of the union, how the union is protecting them and why its so important to be part of the union.
  • Increased union membership, participation, and support of the union political action committee.
  • Gave public presentations in varying cities, multiple times a week to potential IHSS workers.Phone banked
  • Formed membership groups in outlying rural communities; increasing membership, building camaraderie among caregivers and providing support and resources to members.
  • Developed leaders by identifying, recruiting, supporting and training talented individuals.
  • Formulated strategic plans advocating for sick time pay, increase in wages, and healthcare.
  • Modified outreach methods to be cognizant and respectful of member’s social and religious customs, cultural norms, language, and more. Always approaching from a place respect, humbleness and mindfulness.
  • Mobilized member's involvement in outreach activities by training and supporting members, regardless of abilities in technology or language to become successful, confident, phone bankers and canvassers.
  • Assisted members in advocating for themselves and their clients.
  • Provided training to members and staff on Leadership Development and Implicit Bias. Training for members and staff.

Central Valley Organizer

California Partnership
09.2017 - 02.2018
  • Participated as a member of a statewide economic justice coalition, contributed to campaign strategy, legislative policy making, and state and county budget advocacy.
  • Built and facilitated collaboration between unions, faith groups, service providers, elected officials, health advocates and community stakeholders.
  • Conducted power analysis training of political and community leaders.
  • Created local chapter to increase collaboration between partners.
  • Developed and supported strategic direct-action campaigns around healthcare, immigration, economic and social justice issues.
  • Coordinated with community leaders and partners in campaign implementation, mobilization, lobby days, rallies, phone banking, canvassing, and training.
  • Supported the grant writing and fundraising of the organization.

Education

Bakersfield College
Bakersfield, CA

Skills

    Organizing & Advocacy

  • Grassroots organizing & mobilization
  • Labor union engagement & advocacy
  • Coalition-building & stakeholder engagement
  • Public sector & legislative advocacy
  • Community outreach & empowerment

    • Policy & Strategy

  • Policy analysis & issue advocacy
  • Translating complex policies for diverse audiences
  • Campaign strategy & execution
  • Economic, racial, and climate justice initiatives
  • Public pension & fiduciary policy awareness

    Communication & Leadership

  • Strategic communications & messaging
  • Public speaking & facilitation
  • Training & leadership development
  • Relationship management & networking
  • Social media & digital advocacy

    • Project & Program Management

  • Event & meeting coordination
  • Volunteer recruitment & management
  • Data tracking & reporting
  • Organizational development
  • Conflict resolution & consensus-building

Timeline

Grassroots Coordinator

Consumer Attorneys of California
02.2023 - 02.2025

Lead Director – CD 22

The Outreach Team - Vote Blue
09.2022 - 12.2022

Executive Secretary

Law Offices of Christopher Martens
02.2020 - 02.2021

Union Organizer

United Domestic Workers of America
05.2018 - 02.2020

Central Valley Organizer

California Partnership
09.2017 - 02.2018

Board Member

Faith in the Valley
01.2016 - 12.2021

Bakersfield College

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Mary Koharchick