Kelly Grantham

It’s rare to find someone who is both firmly rooted in her own values but open to consider the perspectives of others, but that’s Kelly. The way she relentlessly invests in those around her will have ripple effects for generations.

What keeps you up at night?

Too much! On a micro level: it's relationship stress, creative projects where I haven't reached that satisfactory point, feeling behind on projects, making a big financial decision. On a macro level: world issues, polarization and all the pain that exists in the world.

Who is the biggest influence in your life? Why?

My Mother, hands down. I have had a lot of women in my life to look up to. But, my Mother was an immigrant, came to this country with little to nothing in her pockets. She later went on to raise four kids, chase after a PhD, have a successful career as a professor, all while growing her faith and loving on others in the community well. She is the definition of a Proverbs 31 woman.

What’s been the biggest obstacle in your life so far?

Health issues. Nine surgeries, reoccurring cholesteatomas in my ear, skin condition, thyroid cancer, etc. Physical health is underrated. I've learned to love and appreciate my body even though I feel like it's failed me on many occasions.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Danielle Throckmorton told me: Boundaries must be a mutual win for both parties involved, otherwise they're just walls.

One year from today, how do you hope you’re different?

I want to be remembered for being kind when I'm busy, for being loving when I'm heart-broken, for being patient when I'm stressed, for being a repairer when I feel like giving up, for being compassionate even when I don't understand. That's how I hope to be different next year.

“I want to be remembered for being kind when I'm busy, for being loving when I'm heart-broken, for being patient when I'm stressed, for being a repairer when I feel like giving up, for being compassionate even when I don't understand.”

What’s the single biggest problem you’d like to solve in your community?

Polarization. I believe we can all disagree respectfully and learn to appreciate and admire those that act, believe and vote differently than we do.