Why be part of The Collective Identity Mentoring?
My “TCI Why” is that I believe in effective youth programming to change the trajectory of a person’s life for the better. Unfortunately, the Black girl serving and leading organizations are so few and far between in the nonprofit sector. I believe in communities carrying out their own vision through their programming, and it’s powerful to be able to play a supportive role in that work.
-Kelly Ferguson
You can learn a lot about a person's vibe by their musical taste.
Check Kelly’s Vibe
And in her spare time…
In her spare time Kelly enjoys hiking with her pup Ripley, singing karaoke, reading fiction and taking spontaneous trips whenever possible!
Kelly is a nonprofit professional with experience in both direct service and development. She got her start with nonprofits as a long term volunteer with Girls Rock Campaign Boston, a feminist organization empowering girls and gender non conforming youth through musical education and performance.
Her other work has included time at a mentoring organization for youth in foster care in Massachusetts, an organization providing free in-home childcare to low-income women pursuing their Associates or Bachelors degrees, and an organization providing near-peer mentoring for recent immigrant middle school students. She currently works as the Director of Development at an LGBTQ+ community center in Contra Costa County. Kelly is passionate about leveraging her skills to bring resources to underserved communities, including those within the LGBTQ+ community, communities of color, and women and girls.
Kelly is proud to serve as a Board member with The Collective Identity Mentoring and to be a part of empowering young Black girls in Los Angeles. Originally from the Boston area, Kelly currently lives in the San Francisco area, with her dog Ripley.
We asked, she answered.
Q&A with Kelly.
Tell us about a time when you experienced "Imposter Syndrome" and how did you overcome it?
I experienced imposter syndrome coming into a leadership position at a job for the first time. As a relatively young woman, I am conscious of my age and how people may not take me seriously. I’ve learned to overcome this by embracing my confidence and capability and by reminding myself that I am effective and prepared and that in my moments of doubt, it’s probably me falling prey to the socialization of women and girls that causes us to feel small and unworthy. I lean into the discomfort and persist!
One question for Michelle Obama?
If you hadn’t married Barack, what do you think your life would look like?
What are you reading?
A novel called “Best Friends” by Kamila Shamsie, about two young girls from Pakistan and their decades long friendship. I love stories of enduring female friendships!