Pronouns: She/They
Hunter Herrera-McFarland is The Kelsey’s Policy Manager. Hunter is Navajo and Mescalero Apache on her mom’s side and white on her dad’s side. She grew up in a rural town in Southern Idaho, but now lives in Bellingham, Washington with her partner, Carter, and her service dog, Diya. She holds a BA and MA from the University of Wyoming, which is where her love of advocacy flourished while on the policy debate team. Hunter has over 8 years organizing local governments and university administration. After experiencing numerous access issues and discrimination in rental properties, Hunter decided to become a Board Member for the Tenants Union of Washington State. Prior to joining The Kelsey, she was a debate coach at UC Berkeley and an administrative assistant at PowerSwitch Action. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time in the mountains, going to drag shows, and watching horror movies.
What part of The Kelsey’s mission are you proudest to be part of / support?
I am proud to be a part of an organization that is focused on empowering leaders with disabilities. We are a powerful team, but we cannot accomplish our mission alone. We need other thought-partners and organizers by our side which is why I’m excited to work closely with The California Disability Inclusive Housing Working Group and other coalitions. I also believe disabled folks should be the leaders in these coalitions because we have the personal experiences and expertise to lead us to victory.
What is your favorite building feature?
My old neighbor used a mobility aid and we wanted to invite him over for dinner at our house because he always invited us over, but we were never able to because you had to walk up a few steps to enter our house. I wish every single family home had a ramp or landlords provided portable ramps. Unfortunately, many people are more concerned with the curb appeal of their homes than making them accessible.