Kelly Parsley
Kelly Parsley is a dedicated scientist, mentor, and community advocate whose work bridges academic research and youth empowerment. A JKCF Scholar and Associate Director of Youth Medical Mentorship, Kelly is deeply committed to expanding access to healthcare education for students across northeastern Oklahoma. In her leadership role with YMM, she helps connect high school students—particularly those from rural and tribal communities—with hands-on experiences, mentors, and opportunities that make careers in medicine and science feel attainable and real. Alongside her mentorship work, Kelly is an undergraduate researcher at The University of Tulsa, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences Pre-Med with coursework in chemistry and neuroscience. Her academic focus includes virology and plant pathology, and she actively contributes to laboratory research while balancing her responsibilities as a mother. Her ability to integrate rigorous scientific inquiry with community-centered outreach reflects her belief that representation, exposure, and support can transform futures. Kelly’s journey—from earning an associate degree to becoming a nationally recognized scholar and leader—embodies resilience, curiosity, and purpose. Whether guiding students through a genetics lab, organizing health fairs, or conducting virology research, she is driven by a passion for strengthening the healthcare pipeline and inspiring the next generation of medical professionals to serve their own communities.
• The University of Tulsa- B.S.
• Youth Medical
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to grit and perseverance—learning through the school of hard knocks and refusing to give up.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to hold myself to a high standard and be okay with being uncomfortable in order to grow.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The advice I would give to young women entering my industry is to know your “why” and stay grounded in your purpose, especially when challenges arise.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is balancing motherhood and a demanding career while overcoming imposter syndrome and being underestimated as a single mother in college, but I’m grateful for the opportunity to grow through strong leadership and mentorship from women like Kathy Taylor and Dr. Natasha Bray.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are family, education, building a strong foundation, leadership, and living with purpose.