Name: Kelly R. Little
Leadership Charlotte (LC) Class: LC41
Title/Company: Founder and CEO, of the Urban Institute for Strengthening Families
Hometown: Philadelphia, Pa
Current personal or leadership goals: My current leadership goals are to continue to evolve mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. I want to experience the highest expression of myself and humbly share my growth with anyone I meet, leaving the world better than I experienced it. I want to create eco-systems where young people feel heard, seen, validated and realize their power/relevance with normalcy. I also want to create communities where men are comfortable expressing their whole selves, leaning into their emotions, embracing all the tools that make them divine beings.
What advice would you give to current Leadership Charlotte participants? Demonstrate presence. The most powerful thing we can do is to enjoy the richness of the Leadership Charlotte experience. This requires us to eliminate distractions and intentionally embrace all parts of the journey with attention. It’s not often that we are fortunate enough to share space with so many dynamic people who are committed to elevating community, expecting nothing in return. Make sure you leverage the time, the lessons, the friendship, and the opportunity to make Charlotte the city that the future you love.
What’s a lesson that you learned through LC that has stuck with you and why? Leadership Charlotte reminded me that leadership is not linear, and that the journey to happiness begins within and is a communal process that requires systems thinking to overhaul systemic challenges. The focus on interpersonal relationships and collective work has remained seared into my brain, because since the beginning of this journey it has been a memorable experience with members of this family walking with me every step of the way. LC-Legacy is the best Org ever!
What would you like to see Leadership Charlotte alumni get involved in and why? I would like to see Alumni continue being involved with our youth and leading cross cultural, gender, and age conversations to reinforce the leadership charlotte way in building community.
Favorite way to spend a weekend in Charlotte: My favorite way to spend a weekend in Charlotte is experiencing nature, history, gardening and exploring the beauty of this amazing place.
Favorite nonprofit or community organization in Charlotte and why: Shameless plug, there are so many nonprofits I love in the city; Urban Institute for Strengthening Families, The Academy of Goal Achievers, Heal Charlotte and A Males Place. I couldn’t name one.
Current Leadership Goals: My current leadership goals are to develop strategic thinking leaders who are emotional intelligent, develop others holistically, grow and develop pipelines of action, enhance my global perspective and continue building a global organization that supports community, specifically boys and men that normalizes healing and a new mantra for men to be holistic.