HOLLY KELSVEN

In 2008, after spending a decade serving celebrities and Chicago's elite in the fine dining scene, I earned my BA in Applied Psychology with College Honors from the University of Illinois at Chicago. My first job in social services as a domestic violence counselor was a far cry from the glitz and glamour of Michigan Avenue. I worked at a homeless shelter, a safe house with 42 beds for women and their families, run by Connections for Abused Women and their Children (CAWC). This heavy, trauma-related work expanded my ability to connect with people, to think and act quickly during crisis, and to advocate for what is just.

From 2009-2012, I continued on a social service pathway, training early learning providers and connecting families in need to referrals and resources as a Family Support and Mental Health Monitor for Chicago Commons Community Partner Head Start Program. Through Head Start, I adopted their notion that "parents are the first teacher" and have carried this to heart ever since. It was in this role that I developed my first initiative- a family engagement program featuring bilingual at-home activities with hands-on materials which aligned with early learning standards. Our team assembled these kits and we passed out materials at 21 partner sites located in high-risk areas of Chicago. From there, I contributed to a kindergarten readiness campaign and assisted in grant writing. 

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I've always been a writer at heart, and in 2012, after the birth of our daughter, I ventured out on my own. Starting a freelance marketing career meant more precious time with our growing toddler. From writing mental health blogs for Yellowbrick to developing websites for clients like former Chicago Bulls player Cliff Levingston, I taught myself how to create visual and written digital content and maneuver website platforms like Wix, Squarespace, and Wordpress. 

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In 2016, I volunteered my marketing services for a start-up non-profit, which quickly led me to be the second hire and second-in-command at Homewood Science Center. Since then, I have melded my experiences in the nonprofit and the marketing world to create impactful, non-traditional educational programming.

As a consulting Program Manager for Homewood Science Center, I develop, market, and host online events and programs. I've built high quality educational experiences and innovative, equitable STEM programming in Chicago’s diverse south suburbs by partnering with industry and education experts from highly esteemed institutions like University of Chicago and Museum of Science and Industry. Since 2016, as Homewood Science Center first opened its doors, my involvement with marketing, program development, event coordination, fundraising, and grant writing has shaped programs including the family learning series PopUp SCIENCE. 

I currently lead Homewood Science Center's

• Girls STEAM SUCCESS Club, an online club giving female students an opportunity to connect with mentors in STEAM, set goals, build 21st century job skills, and explore science

• Spotlight On, a free monthly webinar series engaging learners of all ages to interact with STEM experts from leading institutions

In addition, I continue to offer small business marketing solutions, primarily focusing on website content creation/management and social media marketing. I have enough design and tech skills to be dangerous, and a knack for turning crazy ideas into solid, actionable plans. I am a producer, a visionary, a creative who will find a way to the impossible.