A Story Steeped in listening to neighbors 

Josh Maglasang’s story is one shaped by responsibility, resilience, and a deep belief in what it means to be a good neighbor. Born in January 1993 at Kaiser Permanente in Fontana, California, Josh grew up understanding that strong neighborhoods are built by people who look out for one another. From an early age, he learned that dignity, fairness, and opportunity should never be limited by circumstances. Josh knows that being a good neighbor means listening, showing up, and caring even when no one is watching.

 

At just 15 years old, Josh entered the workforce as a clerical assistant for Euclid Property Management in Upland, California. There, he learned the importance of accountability, clear communication, and treating people with respect. Having skills rooted in everyday neighborly interactions. He graduated with honors from Chaffey High School in Ontario in 2011, demonstrating discipline, focus, and a commitment to doing things the right way. These early years reinforced a simple lesson: communities thrive when people take responsibility not only for themselves, but for one another.

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Later in 2011, Josh moved to Chicago to pursue higher education at Robert Morris University–Illinois. While adapting to a new city, he volunteered with Junior Achievement of Chicago, helping young people build confidence through financial literacy and career exploration. Josh earned an Associate of Applied Science in Computer Automated Drafting & Design in 2012, followed by dual bachelor’s degrees in Architectural Technology and Business Administration with a focus in Management & Marketing in 2014. His education reflects a balance of technical skill, creativity, and an understanding that systems work best when they serve people—as good neighbors should.

 

Josh’s professional career spans architecture, design, education support, manufacturing, and creative services. He has worked for multi-generational family companies, women-owned businesses, and minority-owned enterprises certified as MBE and DBE. From Urban GIS and GO Architects to Don Johnston Inc. and Follett Content Solutions, Josh has seen how diverse businesses strengthen local economies and sustain neighborhoods. These experiences shaped his belief that supporting small businesses and local employers is an extension of being a good neighbor. Josh looks forward to helping keep communities stable, vibrant, and connected.

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Service has always been central to Josh’s life. Over the years, he has volunteered with Bernie’s Book Bank, Junior Achievement, St. Baldrick’s Foundation, and literacy initiatives across Illinois and Wisconsin. He believes education opens doors, creativity builds bridges, and access to opportunity should never depend on income, identity, or zip code. For Josh, service is simply another way of being a good neighbor. Josh is found offering time, effort, and care where it is needed most.

 

After moving to Kenosha in 2021, Josh chose to put down permanent roots. He bought his first home in 2022 and committed himself fully to the community he now calls home. He organized and supported local art sales, painted an interior mural for Kenosha Creative Space and co-founded the Make Music Kenosha Board to uplift local musicians and creatives. His actions reflect a belief that being a good neighbor means investing in shared spaces, local culture, and future generations. His dedication earned him recognition as Kenoshan of the Week in 2023.

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Josh is a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community and a strong supporter of Kenosha’s local Pride community. His lived experience has deepened his empathy for neighbors who have felt marginalized, unheard, or excluded. That empathy is further shaped by personal challenges, including diagnoses of Generalized Social Anxiety Disorder and alopecia areata. Josh understands how policies affect real lives, mental health, and dignity. He believes leadership should feel less like authority and more like a good neighbor. Josh is approachable, compassionate, and grounded in understanding.

 

In recent years, Josh has expanded his civic leadership by forming the Alliance of Music Professionals in Safety, establishing the first Wisconsin Area Music Industry chapter for Kenosha County, joining a Community Watch Program, and filing for candidacy for alderperson in November 2025. Josh Maglasang is running to serve as the kind of leader and neighbor who listens first, acts with empathy, and works every day to ensure Kenosha remains a place where everyone belongs, everyone is valued, and everyone looks out for one another.