Kelly recently began Cohort 9 of EMPOWER, a leadership development program offered by the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Aileron. The 10-month program brings together women leaders from across the Dayton region for professional coaching, workshops, peer learning and conversations designed to help participants better understand their leadership values and goals.

“Learning about the opportunity instantly drew me in and secretly terrified me at the same time,” Kelly shared. Knowing that an in-depth application and selection process would narrow the cohort to just 20–25 women across the Dayton region made her question whether she should try. “But I owed it to myself to apply.”

“I know I want to grow within Graceworks, and this is an amazing opportunity to learn more about myself, my leadership growth opportunities and really dig into my fears and self-doubts.”

Kelly demonstrated that same openness just days before beginning EMPOWER, when she stepped into another leadership opportunity—this time, as a speaker.

Kelly joined Graceworks colleague Robyn Powell, Manager of Social Services, Music Therapy & Admissions at Bethany Village, to present at Wright-Patt Credit Union’s Women at the Table Talks “RE-ignite” event. More than 200 women gathered for a day centered on connection and insights from fellow Dayton-area leaders.

Their presentation, “Being a Long-Term Caregiver: Now What?”, explored the realities of balancing caregiving with the many other responsibilities of daily life. Robyn and Kelly discussed caregiver well-being and practical considerations, from having conversations with aging parents to understanding long-term care options and planning ahead.

One message from their conversation captured the compassion at the heart of caregiving:

Whatever decision you make in the moment is the right one, if done out of love.

For Kelly, the experience was as much about listening as it was about sharing.

“I laughed, cried and hung on every word of the amazing speakers,” Kelly shared afterward. “I didn’t realize how much I needed to be in community with these amazing women!”

That exchange of experiences is also central to Kelly’s EMPOWER journey. Over the coming months, she will have opportunities to build greater self-awareness, connect with peers and continue developing personally and professionally.

Kelly’s participation reflects Graceworks’ commitment to investing in employees as they develop their talents and bring those gifts back to the people, teams and communities they serve. She enters EMPOWER with years of experience supporting people through Graceworks Enhanced Living — and an opportunity to gain new perspectives that can further shape her leadership.