Kelli is serving on Panel 2: Creating Better Programs
Kelli is the Founder and Executive Director of Dream On Education.
Kelli Haywood, a native of Kansas City, Missouri, completed her Master’s of Sports Administration program at Northwestern University, where her concentration field was Marketing and Public Relations. In 2008 she earned her Bachelor’s degree from Spelman College where she was a varsity basketball player and Dean’s List Honor’s student. Kelli is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
In addition to Dream On Education, Kelli is a consultant for the Obama Foundation – working specifically on the Community Leadership Corp. She is a member of the 1871 Leadership Council, Forbes Nonprofit Leadership Council, and the New Life Community Partnership Network. She was also one of 10 WeWork Creator Awards (Midwest) 2017 Finalists, a 2016 Learning Dimensions Learning Change Agent, and a 2016 State Farm Neighborhood Assist Finalist.
In May, Dream On Education was named the 2019 Excellent Emerging Leader Organization by the Axelson Center. The Excellent Emerging Organization award is awarded to an up-and-coming organization whose strength is apparent. In March of 2019, Dream On was named the Chicago Quarter Fund’s Quarter One grantee for their work and innovation in education.
Prior to launching Dream On Education, Kelli worked in Account Marketing for adidas and for Walgreens Corporate as a Strategic Planning Analyst, where she supported, both, the Visual Merchandising and the Promotional Planning divisions. Kelli also worked as Director of Corporate Development at the American Heart Association. She previously interned with Sprint Nextel (INROADS, Inc.), the Chicago Bulls, and the YMCA of Greater Chicago.
Dream On Education is a combination of some of Kelli’s favorite things – education, art, and inspiring others.