ABOUT KELLY

Raised in the wild west of Wyoming, I learned the value of hard work and community pride. When ​I moved to Santa Clara in 2002, I found a place that mirrored the small-town values I grew up ​with. Here, I raised my two children, Mason (17) and Gigi (16), who have been my inspiration ​through every challenge.

In 2019, I began working at Santa Clara University with a determination to build a better future ​for my kids and myself. Over the next four years, I balanced three jobs as a single mom, returned ​to college, and graduated as a valedictorian candidate (although not selected, I was able to give ​my speech), rising from Administrative Assistant to Assistant Dean of the School of Engineering. ​In these years, I learned more about myself than in the rest of my life combined. I discovered that ​courage isn’t the absence of fear but the act of conquering it, and I realized there’s a lot of ​badass in me. I rooted myself in the core values of discipline, growth, and empathy.

As my children grew older, I deepened my involvement in our community, serving on the Parks ​and Recreation Commission from 2020 to 2024, including a term as Chair. I now serve on the ​Police Chief Advisory Committee and am working towards a doctorate in Social Justice ​Leadership at SCU.

I'm running for City Council to bring the same determination, dedication, and excellence that my ​Wyoming roots instilled in me and to fight for the community values that make our city wonderful. ​I’m committed to serving our city with integrity and steadfastness. I am grateful for this chance ​to grow and learn. You can find me at the Poorhouse Bistro on the weekends, pouring beer and ​looking for a great chat!