Election 2023: Obarka running for Grand Island Town Council

Submitted by Kristen Obarka

My name is Kristen Obarka, and I am running for Grand Island Town Council. I would be greatly honored to represent all the residents of this very special community.

First and foremost, I am a wife to my husband, Michael, and mother to my daughter, Madelyn. The three of us have been proud Grand Island residents for the past 10 years. I love this community and want to work to make it the best for everyone who lives here.

I have my Ph.D. in industrial/organizational psychology and worked in the nonprofit health and human services field for 20 years. I now work for a full-scale human capital firm that does recruiting, retention, training and development, and succession planning, all focused around how the brain functions best at work. From my educational and work experience, I would bring numerous essential skills that would benefit the community, such as leadership, organizational development and strategic planning, as well as emotional intelligence, effective communication, and empathy.

I have volunteered in the Grand Island community since moving to the Island. Currently, I am the president of Grand Island Junior Vikings Football & Cheer, and the Veronica Connor Middle School PTA president.

Again, I would be honored to serve the community as a Grand Island town councilwoman, and I ask for the privilege of your vote on Nov. 7, 2023.

Kristen Obarka