Clint Borgen

Clint Borgen is a humanitarian advocate and a leading poverty-reduction campaigner in the United States. Borgen is the founder and president of The Borgen Project, an organization focused on bringing U.S. political attention to global poverty. His commitment to advocacy began after firsthand experience in refugee camps during the Kosovo War, where he recognized the need for an organization dedicated to addressing severe poverty through U.S. political channels. Witnessing the effects of conflict on displaced populations, Borgen observed the impact of U.S. involvement and identified the nation's capacity to influence global support and funding for regions in crisis.

After graduating from Washington State University and interning at the United Nations, Borgen began developing The Borgen Project. He worked on a fishing vessel in Dutch Harbor, Alaska, using the isolation to dedicate time to the initiative and fund its early operations. What started as a one-person effort with a laptop and a budget from Alaska paychecks has grown into a national campaign with supporters worldwide. After relocating to Seattle, Borgen balanced work at another organization with building The Borgen Project, eventually attracting volunteers and additional funding to expand its reach.

Borgen collaborates with Congressional leaders to build support for legislation aimed at improving conditions in developing nations. The Borgen Project has contributed to elevating the lives of millions living in extreme poverty. Among its legislative achievements, the organization played a role in the passage of the Women's Entrepreneurship and Economic Empowerment Act, which established U.S. policy to reduce gender disparities in economic participation. The Borgen Project has also supported legislation such as the Global Malnutrition Prevention and Treatment Act and advocated for clean water access through bills like the Water for the World Act.

Borgen is recognized as a speaker on global development, humanitarian aid, and public health. He has participated in panels at international forums, including discussions on ending extreme poverty and the role of foreign aid in Africa's development. Borgen advocates for increased support for grassroots advocacy organizations, enhanced political education, and public campaigns that highlight the benefits of international aid for stability, economic growth, and global security. As a keynote speaker, he addresses topics including world affairs, social entrepreneurship, and humanitarian issues. Borgen's journey from refugee camps to national advocacy underscores the potential for individuals to address urgent global challenges.