Her Story
About Rochelle
Rochelle Kelly is a financial communications professional based in Philadelphia, PA, with a focus on finance and professional services. She began her career path with internships in 2021 after switching her major from biology to marketing and then communications at Drexel University. Kelly attributes her success to her father's influence as a hard-working scientist who motivated her to become self-sufficient and pursue a career she excels in. She is proud of her work reconfiguring media approaches for a transitioning client account at her previous firm, which led to increased coverage through thought leadership and stronger relationships with outlets like American Banker. Kelly speaks Korean, which she learned after developing an interest in K-pop, and she enjoys creative pursuits including writing, makeup and hair styling, anime, video games, and animal-related causes. Her advice to young women emphasizes embracing uncertainty, pursuing passions, and maintaining balance.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Rochelle
01What do you attribute your success to?
My dad has been the biggest influence. He's the closest person to me and a hard-working person who always motivated me to be able to take care of myself completely independently. Seeing him work two jobs as long as I've been alive really motivated me to be self-sufficient and do the best that I can. He was happy I graduated college and did something I'm good at.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say I have no clue sometimes and that's okay because sometimes that puts you on a whole other path or journey that could definitely be worth it. You will figure it out. Think of the things that you actually like to do and try to keep your passions with you. Even if people tell you that those dreams don't fit into your real adult life, that doesn't mean they have to go away. Go for it, live life, try not to think about it too much, do the things that make you happy but also keep yourself safe and healthy.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
There's more opportunity to let creativity come through a little bit more in financial services and FinTech. Sometimes we get so bogged down in the formality and traditionalness that we miss opportunities to be more plugged into the world outside and make connections. The human element can get removed in business-to-business topics, so the opportunity is to be more creative and tapped into the world around us instead of the constant echo chamber of finance speak.
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