Kelly Ulrich is a 2021-2022 Fellow. Kelly grew up in Michigan, Minnesota and California. She attended UCLA and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor in Civic Engagement, and recently completed a Master’s in Digital Advertising and Media Analytics from Michigan State University.

Tell us about your host company and your role in the organization.

I am currently a Social Media Manager at OneMagnify, a collaborative, global performance marketing partner working at the intersection of marketing, technology, and analytics.

Tell us about the challenge project you’ve worked on; what have you learned from the experience?

We just finished our last Challenge project of the Fellowship. I was so inspired by our partner, Class Act Detroit, and the vision of the founder, Rashard. Seeing his passion and enthusiasm for the kids he works with was amazing and I feel really lucky to have been a small part of it. 

How do you believe your fellowship will shape your career moving forward?

Through this fellowship, I’ve met some incredible leaders and innovators in many different fields. Without the fellowship, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to build my network so substantially. After my fellowship experience is over, I’m sure that I’ll be able to utilize these connections to grow my career in any direction I want to because of the opportunities I’m getting now. 

Women’s Leadership Panel at a Leadership Friday

Please share the most memorable moment you have experienced so far as a Fellow. Why was it memorable and how has it impacted you?

I really enjoyed our orientation days where we spent time walking around the city and hearing from residents, business owners and city leaders. It was such a great reminder of how amazing Detroit is and how the people who live here give the city its sense of hope, pride and innovation.

Chatting at our executive mentorship Leadership Friday. Featured: OneMagnify CEO Mark Petroff, Shelley Watts (United Way), Deirdre, me

How do you hope you impacted the community as a Fellow?

I hope I made an impact within the community by implementing design thinking into all of our projects and really understanding how to be useful for our project partners. 

If someone is reading this and considering applying to be a Fellow, share why you would encourage them to apply?

The program helps to connect you to incredible leaders in Detroit, both through project work and through informal networks. Having this vast network is an indispensable resource for your future career.