We are excited to have Kelly Russell, Administrative Support Specialist, joining our team at United Way of East Central Iowa (UWECI). Her work and support of multiple UWECI departments will help us further our mission and continue to fight for change in our community. Get to know Kelly below.

Tell us about where you are from, where you grew up, etc.

I spent my younger years in Detroit and most of my life in Dallas. I truly love both the D cities! Cedar Rapids is my husband’s hometown and it’s been a great place to raise our family.

What are your hobbies? What do you do for fun?

We love going north to Hayward, WI to work on restoring a 100-year-old log cabin and get a little fishing in when we can. I love reading, bead weaving, and most of all spending time with my family.

If you were a crayon, what color would you be and why?

I would be Forest Green because that is the color of the pines and just thinking about being amongst them makes be happy!

Who inspires you and why?

My grandmother is my inspiration. She was always there to help everybody. She never had a cross word about anyone. She’d open her doors to all and had more love to go around than you can imagine.

Where is your favorite place in the world?

My favorite place in the world is sitting at the Boardman River at Shek’s Place, a state forest campground outside of Traverse City, Michigan. We made many special memories there camping with my family. My grandfather used to camp here, and he took my mom. Our extended family meets there every five years.

Do you have any pets? Tell us about them.

I have two fur babies. A very senior Bichon named Polar Bear and a Goldendoodle named Hazel. Both are my loves! Polar lost his sight over a year ago but is still my happy little guy. Hazel has some insecurity issues and she will carry around her ‘binky’ (aka a towel) everywhere she goes.