Kristen Kelly
Appleton
Summary
As an Executive Director & Co-founder of an organization dedicated to serving marginalized communities, I bring extensive leadership experience in nonprofit management, program development, and advocacy. I am committed to advancing social justice and equity through strategic planning, effective resource allocation, and fostering strong community partnerships. My background includes a proven track record of empowering individuals and addressing systemic barriers to create a positive and lasting impact for those we serve.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Director & Co-Founder
People Of Progression
10.2022 - Current
- Increases organizational efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing new systems.
- Develops strategic partnerships with key stakeholders to expand the organization's reach and influence.
- Manages a diverse team, fostering a collaborative work environment for increased productivity.
- Implements innovative marketing strategies to raise brand awareness and drive fundraising.
- Oversees financial management, ensuring fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability for the organization.
- Spearheads new program initiatives to address unmet community needs and advance the organization's mission.
- Evaluates program outcomes using data-driven metrics, identifying areas for improvement and implementing targeted interventions.
- Collaborates with external organizations, including non-profits, businesses, and government agencies, to create mutually beneficial partnerships.
- Creates promotional materials and provides insightful information to social media, websites, and print media to educate the public.
- Presents regularly at conferences or events showcasing organizational accomplishments.
- Leads fundraising initiatives encompassing grant writing, fundraising campaigns, and donor relationship management to secure vital resources for the organization's mission and programs.
- Presents program updates and reports to the organization's Board of Directors, ensuring transparency and alignment with strategic goals and objectives.
Project Coordinator & Co-founder
People Of Progression
02.2022 - 10.2022
- Coordinated presentations for funders and project members to detail project scope, progress and results.
- Tracked expenses to keep projects within budgetary parameters.
- Supervised multiple projects from project start through delivery by prioritizing needs and delegating assignments.
- Wrote technical narratives to document processes and changes to programming.
- Provided input and feedback on initiatives, and strategies to contribute to project success.
- Established rapport and engaged with partners to build lasting professional relationships.
- Prepared meeting agendas and minutes for distribution and record keeping.
- Kept projects on schedule by managing deadlines and adjusting workflows.
- Liaised between programs to facilitate communication and keep appropriate parties updated on project developments.
- Coordinated venue, catering arrangements, and material distribution for meetings and events.
- Created job files for each project and maintained current data in each file.
- Kept corporate and client information confidential, adhering to data safety measures.
Black Outreach Advocate
Harbor House Domestic Abuse Programs
05.2021 - 05.2022
- Initiates and coordinates visits by influential persons and community groups for marketing exposure.
- Pursuing growth targets centered on outreaching Black community through strong leadership, compassion, analysis, problem-solving, lived experience, and building relationships with clients.
- Increasing education and awareness on domestic violence through culturally specific support groups and programs while utilizing evidence-informed strategies.
- Developing network relationships with industry professionals to enhance community awareness and promote services.
Owner/Founder
Go Natural Skincare LLC
02.2018 - 02.2022
- Founded and manage handmade skincare business
- Created and monitored promotional approaches to increase sales and profit levels
- Educate clients on skin care product line
- Conducted target market research to scope out industry competition and identify advantageous trends. Modify product line to maximize on new product trends.
- Uses innovative marketing strategies to promote website visibility
Underwriting Service Specialist
SECURA Insurance Company
10.2018 - 05.2021
- Assist Underwriters by calculating renewals rates based on Specialty guidelines
- Processing endorsements to make changes to current policies
- Processing premium audits based on service standard guidelines
- Quote and process new business applications
- Communicate with agents to gain further information needed to complete underwriting
- Gather information from state bureaus to accurately process within guidelines
Conversion Specialist
SECURA Insurance Company
04.2018 - 10.2018
- Data entry of commercial lines policies to Power Writer
- Reviewing data for deficiencies or errors
- Resolving discrepancies in information and obtaining further information to resolve errors within system
- Cooperating with team members from other departments to work on policies with multiple market segments
- Responding to information requests from agents
- Process Premium Audits within service standard guidelines
Independent Hair Stylist
SELF EMPLOYED
08.2012 - 04.2018
- Cut, color and style clients' hair with precision and expertise
- Clean, maintain and sterilize tools
- Introduce alternative hair therapies involving natural herbs
- Assess customer needs and give advice about hair style and color options
- Record customer information to track services provided
- Consistently received positive reviews from guests
- Establish strong relationship with clients to generate long term business
- Promoted products and services on social media platforms to increase reach, engage with potential clients and showcase service portfolio.
- Built strong and lasting rapport with clients through consistent delivery of requested services and exceptional results.
Billing/Invoice Clerk (Remote)
RCT Enterprises LLC
08.2014 - 04.2016
- Arranging insurance coverage and assisting clients with claims
- Responsible for arranging payment of freight including other charges or collection of payment on behalf of clients
- Analyzed documents for appropriate distribution and filing
- Worked with DOT (Department of Transportation)
- Assisted in managing fuel reports
- Developed rapport with clients and vendors to cultivate loyalty and satisfaction.
- Collected data to complete detailed financial reports for stakeholders and management.
Bartender/Waitress
Senior Tequilas
09.2008 - 12.2009
- Closed out cash register and prepared cashier report
- Cleaned shelving, mixers, cups, blenders and soda guns
- Retrieved liquor, wine and beer from storage
- Served each guest courteously, quickly and efficiently
- Maintained consistent, regular attendance record
Part Time Teller
Bank of Kaukauna
06.2007 - 08.2008
- Executed customer transactions, including deposits, withdrawals, money orders and checks
- Organized, stocked and maintained teller window
- Executed wire transfers, stop payments and account transfers
- Maintained friendly and professional customer interactions
Data Entry (Summer)
SECURA Insurance Co.
06.2007 - 09.2007
- Entered claims data in timely and accurate manner
- Organized forms, made photocopies, and filed records
Temporary Cook/Cashier (Summer)
SECURA Insurance Co.
06.2007 - 09.2007
- Cooked and served food and meals in accordance with planned menus, diet plans, recipes, portions, temperature control procedures and facility policies
- Achieved and exceeded independent performance, and team goals
- Practiced safe food handling procedures at all times
- Managed cash register
Temporary Cook/Cashier (Summer)
SECURA Insurance Co.
06.2006 - 09.2006
- Cooked and served food and meals in accordance with planned menus, diet plans, recipes, portions, temperature control procedures and facility policies
- Properly labeled and stored all raw food ingredients including produce, meat, fish, poultry, dairy and dry goods in appropriate storage rooms, walk-in refrigerator, freezer or cooler
- Achieved and exceeded independent performance, and team goals
- Inspected kitchens to observe food preparation quality and service, food appearance and cleanliness of production and service areas
- Managed cash register
Education
Cosmetology - Cosmetology
Gill-Tech Academy Of Hair Design
Appleton06.2012
High School Diploma - undefined
Kaukauna High School
Kaukauna, WI2008
Skills
- Community Focused
- Fair-minded
- Strong listening skills
- Adaptable to change
- Strong leadership skills
- Proficient in Microsoft products
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Strategic Planning
- Financial Management
- Fundraising and Resource Development
- Program Development and Evaluation
- Community Engagement
- Advocacy and Public Relations
- Board Governance and Relations
- Communication
- Adaptability and Problem-Solving
Accomplishments
Certified Yellow Belt, SECURA Insurance Company
Community Activities
People of Progression, Non-Profit - Former Co-chair/founder
- Provides resources and support to empower Black children, businesses, and community
- Advocates for survivors who have experienced racialized trauma
- Recruited board members with required skill sets needed for start-up
- Organized Helping Homeless event
- Organized Chalk the Walk Event
- Organizer and Host of monthly virtual "Barbershop Talk"
- Maintains healthy relationships with other community organizations, stakeholders, and potential donors
- Attended meetings with Appleton's Mayor to strengthen diversity and inclusion in Fox Valley
- Uses innovative marketing to promote and maintain social media page
- Partners with other non-profits serving marginalized communities
City of Appleton Chief's Advisory Board Member
- Volunteer liaison from the Black community to hold accountability
Outagamie County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council
- Non-profit housing member of the council
Kaleidoscope Academy School Board Member
- Volunteer member to ensure student achievement
- Holds accountability for the retainment of diverse teachers, faculty, and staff.
Other
- Continuous Improvement Team at SECURA Insurance Company
- D&I Committee at SECURA Insurance Company - Communications Coordinator
- Black and Ally Resource Group at SECURA Insurance Company - Volunteer Coordinator
Additional Information
Karen Nelson - Former Diversity & Inclusion Coordinator, The City of Appleton - Mayor's Office
Cell: (414) 334-8490 Email: Karen.Nelson22@Yahoo.com
Kathy Flores - Director Anti-Violence Program, Diverse & Resilient Cell: (920) 475-4405 Email: Kflores@Diverseandresilient.org
Timeline
Executive Director & Co-Founder
People Of Progression
10.2022 - Current
Project Coordinator & Co-founder
People Of Progression
02.2022 - 10.2022
Black Outreach Advocate
Harbor House Domestic Abuse Programs
05.2021 - 05.2022
Underwriting Service Specialist
SECURA Insurance Company
10.2018 - 05.2021
Conversion Specialist
SECURA Insurance Company
04.2018 - 10.2018
Owner/Founder
Go Natural Skincare LLC
02.2018 - 02.2022
Billing/Invoice Clerk (Remote)
RCT Enterprises LLC
08.2014 - 04.2016
Independent Hair Stylist
SELF EMPLOYED
08.2012 - 04.2018
Bartender/Waitress
Senior Tequilas
09.2008 - 12.2009
Part Time Teller
Bank of Kaukauna
06.2007 - 08.2008
Data Entry (Summer)
SECURA Insurance Co.
06.2007 - 09.2007
Temporary Cook/Cashier (Summer)
SECURA Insurance Co.
06.2007 - 09.2007
Temporary Cook/Cashier (Summer)
SECURA Insurance Co.
06.2006 - 09.2006
Cosmetology - Cosmetology
Gill-Tech Academy Of Hair Design
High School Diploma - undefined
Kaukauna High School
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