1986
As the executive director the nonprofit Parks Foundation, I raise money to enhance one of the most spectacular county park systems in the United States. I also raise money to support park programs serving youth and other audiences. In addition to fundraising, I manage the nonprofit, steward our finances, build donor relationships, and collaborate with my board of directors.
At Duke I learned how to dive into researching a topic, gather information, and communicate my ideas clearly and persuasively. I use writing skills I learned at Duke every day at my job, from simple emails to fundraising letters to grant proposals. Sometimes I even get to exercise my poetry chops writing dedications for park benches!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-kelley-a6971138/
My Duke English background also has proven useful in documenting my family history. To date I've published two books on my ancestors: "From Migrants to Mermaids" and "Girl from East Sparta."
