My approach to life and work is characterized by ceaseless curiosity and a desire to forge meaningful connections.
I am dedicated to nurturing a better world through my blend of creativity, strategy, and heart. Based in Chicago, my experience spans creative and social entrepreneurship, the arts, academia, and the nonprofit sectors. My 20-year career is a testament to a life lived at the intersection of professional achievement, profound personal growth, and marked by a commitment to social good.
At my core, I am a storyteller and bridge-builder, thriving on the synergy of collaborative efforts and the spark of spontaneous inspiration. I often discover that the most transformative ideas arise from the dynamic interplay of diverse perspectives and unexpected moments of creativity. My path is one of continuous discovery, with each project and encounter offering an opportunity to weave new threads into the tapestry of my career. Openness to serendipitous connections sits at the heart of my ethos, driving me in my work with purpose-driven organizations like Kelly Allison Productions and in my role at Columbia College Chicago, where I mentor the next generation of changemakers in the nuances of entrepreneurship and arts management. These positions have enabled me to champion racial equity, as well as social and earth justice initiatives, oversee strategic brand realignments, and empower aspiring entrepreneurs to create businesses that serve our community.
Motherhood and the companionship of my spirited beagle have enhanced my capacity for empathy and resilience, profoundly shaping my approach to leadership and collaboration. These personal dimensions bring a unique depth to my professional endeavors and my engagements within the community.
I've led organizations like Lily's Talent Agency and Parenthesis Parent-Child Center to new heights, achieving a 200% increase in revenue and a 40% surge in donations, respectively. As the former owner and agency director of Modelogic Midwest, I not only spearheaded the agency's growth but also championed initiatives to ensure diversity and equitable representation in the media. My career is characterized by a commitment to cultivating inclusive environments and programs, always with the goal to inspire and empower, thereby catalyzing cycles of growth and positive transformation.
My passion extends beyond professional achievements to a profound love for our planet and its creatures, which informs my advocacy for diversity and sustainability in both my work and personal life. In every role I've embraced, I believe that the world benefits most when work is done with empathy, strategic thinking, and a nurturing touch. My aim is to inspire, empower, and effect meaningful change through transformative leadership, impactful teaching, and strategic organizational development.
As I look to expand my impact, I seek collaboration with individuals and organizations that share my holistic vision, aiming to contribute creatively and strategically to meaningful change. I warmly invite connections and conversations about creating a more inclusive, equitable, and vibrant world. Join me in redefining our society with the wisdom of a mother's perspective and the zeal of a change-maker, where every interaction is a step towards crafting a more compassionate world.
“We but mirror the world. All the tendencies present in the outer world are to be found in the world of our body. If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change toward him. This is the divine mystery supreme. A wonderful thing it is and the source of our happiness. We need not wait to see what others do.”
-Mahatma Gandhi
My Core Values
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Empathy and Compassion.
Empathy is my compass, and compassion, my path. I strive to approach every interaction with an open heart, seeking to understand and share the feelings of others. This core value informs my dedication to social and earth justice, my nurturing role as a mother, and my mission to create spaces where every individual feels seen, heard, and valued.
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Curiosity and Lifelong Learning.
Curiosity fuels my passion for discovery and lifelong learning anchors my journey. With every new experience, I embrace the opportunity to grow, evolve, and understand more deeply. This value drives me to explore diverse fields, engage with fresh ideas, and remain a student of life, perpetually seeking knowledge and enlightenment.
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Integrity and Authenticity.
Integrity is the foundation upon which I build my life and authenticity the material with which I shape it. I believe in the power of living true to oneself and upholding one's principles in all aspects of life. Whether I'm leading a project or guiding my son, I stand firm in my convictions and authentic in my actions, encouraging others to do the same.
