Kessa Kelly

Kessa (she/her) serves as the Development Associate at the Aspire Public Schools Foundation, where she strengthens data systems and development operations that help ensure continued access to resources that help Aspire scholars pursue their version of success.

With over 10 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, including 5 years in development and fundraising, Kessa has supported work across poverty alleviation, housing security, mental health and suicide prevention, public and community health, and education equity. Kessa was first able to connect her work in development with her passion for education equity when she worked at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, supporting the major gifts team. Most recently, she worked in event management and development operations at the Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley, where she focused on improving systems and processes to enhance fundraising effectiveness and donor engagement.

Her commitment to education equity is rooted in both the inequities she witnessed through her direct service work and the challenges she navigated while pursuing her own higher education. She is dedicated to advancing equitable access to opportunity through thoughtful, intentional, mission-driven development work.

A proud community college graduate and former AmeriCorps VISTA, Kessa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from Northern Arizona University, where she graduated summa cum laude. In her personal time, she enjoys hiking, baking, reading, playing video games, and spending time with her partner, their two dogs, and their turtle.