Kelli Dupuy
I wouldn’t try to count the number of families Kelli has helped in more than 15 years of non-profit work. When she’s not running one of the state’s only reverse-inclusion model day care centers, she’s helping families find housing and connect with services to navigate difficult moments and raising kids of her own.
What makes you feel proud?
My children, family, friends and other relationships.
Who is the biggest influence in your life? Why?
I have had many influences, but the biggest has been my parents. My Mom and Dad exposed me to other types of people and modeled how to give back to different communities. I am incredibly lucky to have them.
What’s been the biggest obstacle in your life so far?
In terms of career and community, time and resources are always obstacles. There is always more to do and not enough time. More resources are always needed and funding is always competitive. These are never unsurmountable, but obstacles nonetheless.
“What I know to be true is that if we had a kinder, more accepting, more supportive, more connected community, we all would benefit.”
One year from today, how do you hope you’re different?
I hope that in a year, I have gained new friends, teamed up to make big differences for children and families and have had some adventures along the way. I am a believer in “bloom where you are planted,” so wherever I am in a year, I hope to be in “bloom!”
What’s the single biggest problem you’d like to solve in your community?
I don’t know if I can give you one problem, because everything is connected. Oftentimes, lives are like a house of cards— if one card moves or is removed, the whole house will fall. What I know to be true is that if we had a kinder, more accepting, more supportive, more connected community, we all would benefit.
kelli is one of 100 women we have featured in the inaugural issue of Hundred Magazine. To learn more about her and the other 99 women, buy the issue.
