“I gravitated towards embedding equity-based work in my career aspirations through my experience working with a local nonprofit in Chapel Hill, NC. Through working with an organization whose primary mission is to alleviate homelessness and poverty in the Chapel Hill and Durham communities I witnessed the rippling effect of inadequate systems and barriers for marginalized folks. I also observed the power of community and support having a transformative impact on those searching for affordable housing, healthcare, employment, and shelters/mental health resources. From this experience, I knew I wanted to support and empower folks who are also making a difference in their own communities, and to contribute to justice-based solutions for people working to make a difference.”

• As a Business Analyst and Director of Social Outreach for a local candle-making supplier, Kaelan leveraged analytical skills and launched the first candle-making workshop in partnership with the Women’s Business Center under the Institute for Minority Economic Development
• Kaelan worked with the Rockefeller Foundation over the summer of 2021 on their Economic and Equity Opportunity Team to assist grantmaking investment efforts for equitable vaccination initiatives and capital expansion access to BIPOC small business owners 
• She has an MBA and Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Double Minor in Entrepreneurship and Social and Economic Justice from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.