Kristen Gordon is a community developer, creative director, and social impact strategist who creates and builds spaces for community, empowerment, and joy. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she has a deep devotion to her city and it shapes her perspectives and work. Early on, LA showed her the power of space; how spaces can be used to divide and deprive, but also how they can unite and empower. Her work in spaces is expansive, from creating experiential productions like retreats and art activations to helping to envision brighter futures, to building community-driven infrastructure and economic development projects that leave a legacy. 

Prior to starting BLOOM Strategies,  she served as the Economic Development Deputy for Los Angeles City Council District 8. She secured over $120 million in grants for economic development and infrastructure projects in South Los Angeles. She was also the lead staffer and advisor for Chair of the Planning and Land Use Management (PLUM) committee overseeing real estate projects and land use policies across Los Angeles. 

She was a driving force behind Destination Crenshaw, a transformative infrastructure project aiming to create a thriving, vibrant commercial corridor supporting local and small businesses, while showcasing Black arts and culture. Spearheading this project required Kristen to organize with community stakeholders to develop the vision, and coordinate with multiple levels of government, foundations, and partners to make the project a reality. 

Kristen Gordon received her B.A. in Urban Studies from the University of California, Irvine and has a Certificate in Real Estate Development from the University of Southern California (USC) Ross Program. She currently serves as the Vice President of the Black Women’s Democratic Club.