Personal Summary

Kelli joins the Mansfield Center after nearly a decade as an international journalist covering foreign aid with a particular focus on gender equality, climate change, and refugee rights. She previously worked for global development news platform Devex as an associate editor in Washington, DC and as a Southeast Asia correspondent based in Bangkok, Thailand. Prior to that, she reported on social and environmental issues from Nairobi, Kenya.

Kelli calls Missoula, Montana home after relocating to earn her MSc. in International Conservation & Development at UM’s W.A. Franke College of Forestry. The first graduate student at University of Montana to receive a U.S. Boren Fellowship, Kelli became proficient in Kiswahili and conducted her thesis research in Tanzania. She is always looking for an opportunity to use her language skills and connect with others passionate about East African culture and land conservation. Experienced in storytelling and relationship building, Kelli is thrilled to combine her journalism and environmental social science background in support of the Mansfield Center’s unique programming.

Outside of her work at the Mansfield Center, Kelli loves to travel, read, write creatively, ride horses, and adventure in Montana’s backcountry with her partner Philip.

Education

BA in Journalism, University of Missouri 

MSc in Resource Conservation (International Conservation & Development), University of Montana