Kelly Powers

Kelly Powers is a dedicated education advocate who co-founded VOCEL in 2013. With a background in teaching elementary school, coaching teachers, and managing educational coaches in Chicago, Kelly believes in unlocking the potential of every child and ensuring equal educational opportunities regardless of their zip code.

Kelly is the Executive Director of VOCEL, where she combines her experience in education with her recent M.B.A. from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Her goal is to integrate private sector best practices with cutting-edge educational research to make a positive impact on children and families.

Kelly's educational journey includes studying Elementary Education and Teaching at the University of Missouri-Saint Louis, earning a Master of Business Administration from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and completing a Bachelor of Arts in Corporate Communications & Public Affairs as well as English from Southern Methodist University.

Throughout her career, Kelly has held key roles such as Graduate Teaching Assistant at The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, Managing Director and Director of Teacher Leadership Development at Teach For America Chicago, Program Director at Teach For America Chicago, and Elementary School Teacher at Normandy School District.