Name: Kelly A. Marion
Place of Employment: Gladys Allen Brigham Community Center, Inc.
Title: Chief Executive Officer
What is your 3 sentence biography? / What is your personal elevator pitch?
I was born and raised in Pittsfield something I am very proud to state. Today, I spend my days supporting children, youth and families in our community, especially girls, so they can feel what I felt as a young woman growing up here. I want to help them be filled with the sense that they are entitled to be heard, to be taken seriously, to dream big dreams and then help them develop the knowledge and skills to pursue those dreams. Our children and youth need to be uplifted by this community that afforded me so many positive opportunities to learn and explore who I am, to become the woman I am today. I want them to know and believe they have a future without limitations. The path is not easy, but with dedication, effort and perseverance they can do it, just like I did.
Tell us about a challenge you faced on your path, and what you learned from it.
I have faced many challenges in my life including the loss of a parent at age 11. I learned from those challenges to keep moving forward, there is no sense in going backward to rehash the past which cannot be changed, what is done is done, but you can and must make amends for your mistakes and learn from them. I have tried to do that with my professional and personal life, which has enabled me to achieve my goals.
What “secret to success” would you share with young women entering the (Berkshire) workforce?
You need to set your path, short term and long term goals, daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, have a plan and a purpose. Be brave, be honest, trust yourself, be aware of your intent and think about what impact that will have on those around you.
What Berkshire women in business inspire you and why?
I have been lucky to have so many inspirational women around me here in the Berkshires as I grew up and today who I interact with personally and professionally. The one thing I think they all have in common is the balance they have with family, friends, work and community. I think that is what draws me to these women and the positive impact they have on our overall community. I hesitate to call them out given there are so many, however, two that I am in contact with every week are Gail Molari and Joan DiMartino. Gail and Joan, a dynamic duo, who are like energizer bunnies! I am inspired by them and consider them role models, not just for me, but for many women they interact with in their personal and professional lives. They always step up and forward, they do not hesitate to offer a hand, they see things through to fruition, they are not afraid to speak up and they are not afraid to speak out for what is right. I am grateful to have them in my life.