Kelly grew up in Corcoran, California, where she saw firsthand the need for more advocates for young people, especially in underserved communities. This experience shaped her commitment to supporting youth and led her to become a first-gen college student focusing on various projects such as a research team that focused on how student debt impacts students’ lives. Now, while pursuing her master’s in sociology at Arizona State University, Kelly works on the Child, Youth, and Family Google Trends Data Project Team, analyzing trends in youth advocacy and community needs.
Kelly is the Program Coordinator who oversees Fresno County’s Friday Night Live Mentoring (FNLM) Program, where she trains high school mentors to support middle school youth. Working with McLane High School and partnering with Yosemite Middle School, she builds essential mentorship networks that strengthen student connections, resilience, and advocacy skills. Kelly’s work with FNLM aims to create safe, supportive spaces for youth to develop leadership abilities and community ties.
Outside of work, Kelly enjoys staying busy by traveling, nonstop learning, and spending time with her favorite people.