Clara Wilson, a native of Crete with deep experience in leading dynamic community-based programs, returns to Nebraska as Civic Nebraska’s new director of voting rights.
Clara oversees Civic Nebraska’s Voting Rights Initiatives program, which includes nonpartisan get-out-the-vote efforts, election observation and protection, voter education, and supporting our organization’s policy strategies to improve access to voting and fair elections in Nebraska. A member of Civic Nebraska’s senior leadership team, Clara also strategizes and develops plans to inspire citizen action on voting rights issues.
“My motivation for being at Civic Nebraska is inspired by my responsibility as a citizen and as a person of privilege to be a part of disrupting systems that have affected marginalized communities for generations,” she said. “I’m excited to be a part of a team committed to the evolution and promotion of democracy and supporting the rights of every Nebraskan.”
Clara earned a bachelor’s degree in management and leadership education from Nebraska U. in 2015. She is also pursuing a Master of Public Health at New York University. She started her role at Civic Nebraska on Jan. 6.
“Clara’s background in policy advocacy and community-led initiatives makes her well-suited to lead our voting rights program,” said Nancy Petitto, senior director of programs.
Before joining Civic Nebraska, Clara served nonprofits in Leadville, Colorado. She led efforts to address systemic inequities by fostering community partnership and action, allocated local resources equitably, and spearheaded community-driven advocacy campaigns. Clara guided a family resource center, a local domestic violence advocacy provider, and an intervention program that addressed the social determinants of health outcomes.
Clara enjoys crocheting, reading, woodworking, and jewelry-making in her spare time. While she and her family enjoyed having mountains in the backyard for skiing and rivers next door for rafting adventures, she and her husband David and their young children are delighted to be back near family in Nebraska.
We’re glad Clara has returned to the Cornhusker State, too. Join us in welcoming her – she’s at cl**********@ci***********.org.
