RISING ICON #74: Kelli Williams
Photo credit: Chris Peters, Colle McVoy
What name do you prefer to be called?
Kelli Williams
What are your pronouns?
She/Her
Where did you grow up?
St. Cloud, Minnesota
What city are you currently based in?
Champlin, Minnesota
How do you typically introduce yourself to new people?
I introduce myself as a wife, mom of 3, and person who has the amazing opportunity to walk in my purpose as the CEO of The BrandLab, a nonprofit working to change the face and voice of the marketing and advertising profession.
What's one thing you wish more people knew about you?
I became a mom at 17. I don't share that because I'm proud (or ashamed) of this. I share it because I want to inspire other people - if I could go to high school, college, and graduate school with my son by my side, I want people to know they can do hard things too. I also share this part of me because I want people to know that if I have made it to where I am, they can achieve what I've achieved and more. My job has been to break down the glass ceilings, to break down the walls, and to open the doors for those who come behind me.
Who do you help?
I have a passion for creating opportunities and supporting women and people of color.
What are you building now?
I am actively building increased scale for The BrandLab along with generational wealth within my Black family and the Black community.
What were you building ten years ago today?
I was building my career and my family. I am still building those areas today!
What do you predict for yourself 10 years from now?
I will be an empty nester (for the first time since I was 17), enjoying spending time with my best friend/husband and living in a warm weather state. I will also still be working, following my passions, and paying it forward by creating opportunities for people who come behind me.
What's a fact or statistic you wish everyone knew about your industry?
The marketing and advertising profession is less than 10% diverse in the Midwest. This is drastically different than the diversity numbers in the Midwest overall. We have work to do to change the face and voice of the industry.
Why do you believe the work you do matters?
The work I do matters because it addresses systemic inequalities and creates opportunities for BIPOC individuals in the marketing and advertising industry. By diversifying this field, we can influence culture and create a more inclusive and equitable society.
Who is your mentor and what is the best advice they've given you?
I have had many mentors throughout my career who have given me invaluable advice, but one piece that stands out is to always stay true to my purpose and values. This guidance has helped me navigate challenges and remain focused on my mission to create opportunities for others.
What piece of content about you or your company are you most proud of? (Could be an article, an interview, an episode, research, or something you've published)
I am most proud of the USA Today article titled "How to not let your anti-racist passion die: Advice from your one Black friend," which I wrote in July 2020. It was a call to action and a plea for sustained commitment to racial justice.
What publication do you hope to appear in next?
I hope to appear in Forbes next, as it has a wide reach and can help amplify the important work we are doing at The BrandLab.
Who would you love to be interviewed by? (Podcast host, journalist, thought leader, political figure, television host)
I would love to be interviewed by Michelle Obama. I love Michelle Obama. Her work on vulnerability and leadership resonates deeply with me, and I believe we could have a powerful conversation about diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Mostly, she's my most admired woman.
If you had to give a TEDTalk tomorrow, what would the title be?
"Breaking Barriers: Redefining Diversity in the Creative Industry"
What award would mean the most to win?
An award that would mean the most to me is the Catalyst Award, which recognizes individuals and organizations that are making significant strides in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
What makes zero sense to you?
The persistent lack of diversity in industries that shape our culture and society, despite the clear benefits of inclusive representation, makes zero sense to me.
What's a word in your industry you hope gets re-evaluated?
The word "diversity" itself needs to be re-evaluated. It's often used as a buzzword without a true understanding of its depth and the commitment required to achieve it.
What game are you changing?
I am changing the game in the marketing and advertising industry by working to make it more inclusive and representative of the diverse world we live in.
What's the next thing you're a part of that you want to invite more people to participate in?
I want to invite more people to participate in The BrandLab's mentorship and internship programs. These initiatives are crucial for providing BIPOC youth with the exposure and opportunities they need to succeed in the creative industry.
Where can we follow you online? (Include link to your most active social media profile)
You can follow me on LinkedIn: Kelli Williams LinkedIn
What's one thing that makes every leader better?
Empathy. Understanding and relating to the experiences of others is crucial for effective leadership and creating an inclusive environment.
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We’re grateful to each Rising ICON for their transformative work. Thank you, Kelli, for sharing your story!
LAUREL is a media relations partner for bold leadership. For nearly a decade, we’ve helped leaders build effective strategies for scale and growth specializing in key opinion leadership and go-to-market strategy for emerging brands. To follow along with the RISING ICONS series, nominate a leader or subscribe to our weekly email newsletter. To accelerate your own rise, get our free guide to elevating your leadership profile, FIT(lite). RISING ICONS is made possible by grant funding from Knight Foundation.
“I want people to know they can do hard things too... to know that if I have made it to where I am, they can achieve what I’ve achieved and more.”
Notice: It’s important for our readers to understand the origin of the interview content. The featured ICON contributed responses that were not edited from the original submission. All claims are made solely by the contributor and do not reflect the views of LAUREL or its partners. Thank you for supporting innovation leaders. We’re convinced, the future is bold.
