Katelyn ZachKatelyn Zach

A Springfield community advocate and nonprofit case manager, Katelyn works directly with people experiencing homelessness, helping connect them with stable housing, supportive services, and the resources they need to rebuild their lives.

Katelyn is a Springfield transplant, but a proud product of her time here, so far. Katelyn holds a Political Science degree from Drury University, where she developed a deep commitment to being engaged in the community, and being politically active. Raised in a middle-class, two-parent Christian household in Topeka, KS, Katelyn learned the importance of hard work, compassion, empathy, and community at an early age. Today she carries those core values with her everywhere she goes, no matter what she is doing. Katelyn's path into public service started at a very young age, when she started clothing drives at the church she and her family attended. It became an annual tradition while they attended, that the "Mitten Tree" would be put up at the beginning of November, and right before Christmas, she would take all mittens, hats, and scarves collected, to the homeless shelter. This kind of work has continued in her life, just in different ways. While working at a local nonprofit in Northern Springfield, Katelyn watched families go through struggles that so many people in the Springfield community go through. From having to decide to pay rent or to buy food for their family. ​Katelyn believes that everyone deserves representation. Everyone deserves to have their voices heard. Everyone deserves access to affordable housing, affordable healthcare, a safe working environment with a livable wage, reproductive freedoms, and fully funded public education. She believes that no one, no matter where they are placed in society, should be left behind. Katelyn is committed to fighting for her community and voicing her districts concerns when it comes to legislation. One thing you can always count on Katelyn to do, is be blunt and honest. She is always willing to have the tough conversations, so that she can understand both sides of the issue and make decisions accordingly.