A speech pathologist by training, Kelly Fair sought her degree so she could help individuals facing communication challenges. But, after managing a nonprofit college prep program for high school students on the far south side of Chicago, Kelly began to think another path – the nonprofit world – might help her best use the gifts she’s been given to aide others. She also tried out jobs in the educational and private sectors, including marketing for textbook publisher McGraw-Hill. But Kelly found she wanted to have a more direct impact on young people from the communities she grew up in and that helped to mold who she is today.
Various influences, experiences and education all taught Kelly the power of different view points, and she works hard to share that with young girls through Chicago-based girls mentoring program, Polished Pebbles. The nonprofit serves nearly 1,000 girls ages 7 to 17, with a primary focus on ensuring girls are great communicators at home, in school, and one day, in their future workplace. The workers at Polished Pebbles do this through a variety of afterschool programs in Chicago Public Schools, University of Chicago Charter Schools and for girls living in Chicago Housing Authority communities.