Her Story
About Kelly
Kelly Poole is a public health professional based in Seattle, Washington. She has worked in healthcare for about ten years, with public health experience spanning roughly five years. After earning her undergraduate degree in public health, she completed her MPH in June and immediately entered the entrepreneurship program at the Foster School of Business at the University of Washington. Kelly is currently building a women's health and wellness platform aimed at advancing health equity. Her earlier experience includes several years as a Certified Nursing Assistant, a certification she has since allowed to expire. She contributes to her community as a volunteer with the Public Health Reserve Corps of King County, where she supports vaccination clinics and emergency response efforts, and with the South King Emotional Wellness League (SKEWL), providing mental health support to the BIPOC community in South King County. Kelly's interest in preventive health was shaped by the loss of her father to a stroke in her twenties and the prevalence of chronic disease in her family.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kelly
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute everything I have accomplished to my family. One of my most important drivers is being a strong role model for my two daughters.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Definitely step out of your comfort zone. Taking a chance on going back to school was out of my comfort zone, and I'm so glad I did. Just go for it. You never know what you can accomplish until you try.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The field of public health is going through a major transformation. What we used to know about public health has changed. Amid budget cuts and the disappearance of departments, we need stronger public health leaders now more than ever.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Balance and keeping a strong moral compass are the most important things. Working to provide health equity for all is a strong public health goal.
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