Kelly is from Bethany, Missouri. Kelly completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Missouri, majoring in English and creative writing. As an undergraduate, she worked as a university ambassador, giving campus tours and mentorship to college-bound high school students, which laid the foundation for her interest in youth advocacy. After graduating, Kelly worked with Chicago Ideas Week, a nonprofit annual event that gathers global leaders in Chicago to inspire action across the world, working to build and organize cross-industry communities online and throughout the city. Prior to joining GHC, Kelly was with the nonprofit EMBARC, where she worked with high school students in Chicago’s South Side communities through systematic, long-term social exposure programs, post-secondary advising, and partnerships with businesses and cultural institutions. Kelly enjoys writing poetry and music.