Kellie Marz Mele

I attribute my success almost entirely to my daughters. They are the reason I push myself, take risks, and continue growing.

More than anything, I want them to understand that they always have choices. I want them to know they are capable of building a life that is entirely their own, whether that means pursuing a career, raising a family, starting a business, continuing their education, or all of the above. There is no single right path, but I want them to have the freedom and confidence to choose their own.

At one point in my life, I realized I had given away too much of my own power. That realization changed everything. I went back to school, invested in my education, built my career, and committed to creating independence for myself. Not because success was the goal, but because I wanted to know that my future was in my own hands.

My daughters have been my motivation through every degree, every career transition, every promotion, and every challenge. If there is one thing I hope they learn from watching my journey, it's that they are stronger, more capable, and more resilient than they realize. They should never feel limited by someone else's expectations of what their life can be.

The best career advice I've ever received was simple: "Be bold."

I've carried those two words with me throughout my career. They've influenced every major decision I've made, from returning to school and pursuing my doctorate to changing careers, stepping into leadership roles, launching new initiatives, and starting my own consulting firm.

Being bold doesn't always mean being fearless. Sometimes it means applying for the job before you feel completely ready, speaking up when you have an idea, taking a chance on yourself, or walking away from a situation that no longer aligns with who you want to become.

Whenever I'm faced with a difficult decision, I often come back to those two words. More often than not, the bold choice has been the one that led to the most growth.

My advice to young women entering this field is simple: don't be afraid to create your own path.

Early in my career, I thought success meant finding the right box and fitting neatly into it. Over time, I realized that some of the most meaningful opportunities came from building something that didn't exist yet. If you don't feel like you fit into the world around you, that doesn't mean you're in the wrong place. Sometimes it means you're meant to help create a new one.

Be curious, be willing to take risks, and trust your ideas. Your career doesn't have to look like anyone else's. The most rewarding journeys are often the ones you design for yourself.

I'm passionate about accessibility and making sure everyone feels welcome and has a sense of belonging. When I saw that only certain types of people were coming through the museum doors, I had to brainstorm ways to make it more accessible, make it fun, and make it interesting for everyone. Building community is at the heart of what I do - I focus on creating free community events that break down barriers and bring people together. I gravitate toward working with nonprofits because they're always filled with people who are passionate and care. Everyone's got a higher calling, and you energize each other. That's just the world I find myself in all the time. I also value empowerment, especially for women. Whether I'm teaching at the museum, working with my consulting clients, or teaching my barre fitness classes, I'm always looking for ways to empower and lift people up.