Kelly is passionate about progressing the cultural landscape of the greater Chicago area. She earned her M.A. in Performing Arts Administration from Roosevelt University (2017), learning from established leaders of the nation’s top-performing arts organizations. Since then she has worked with many notable organizations from the Chicago arts & culture scene in full-time, part-time, & contractual roles.

During the pandemic, she had a brief hiatus from the arts scene working at Ivor Andrew, a B2B marketing agency. Her time in this specialized setting provided a deeper understanding of marketing philosophies and practices.

Kelly's journey in the performing arts started as an artist and educator. She earned d a B.A. in English at Illinois State University (2011) where she also studied acting. She had a successful six-year tenure as a secondary teacher starting as a paraprofessional and homebound tutor for one year before leading classroom instruction teaching AP English, Honors English, ESL, and Theater. As she began directing full-length productions, Kelly was fuelled to return to the stage as a performer and artist. 

She excelled in the Chicago comedy scene as a student of the renowned professional conservatory program at The Second City, performing on historic stages. She also worked for local theater companies and festivals in behind-the-curtain roles.