Kelley Smith

Background

About Kelley Smith

As the Visa Black Scholars Program Manager, I design and execute a multi-faceted program experience for 100+ Black/African American college students. I’m committed to scaling success by proactively sharing program best practices with my peers and creating a win-together environment. Outside of work, I enjoy crocheting, learning about personal finance, and attending local special events. I started my career in Human Resources as a college intern. I told my manager that I didn’t know much about the HR function but that I was ready to learn anything that anyone was willing to teach me. Over the span of two years, I learned two things. First, that "people" are the reason for a company's success, and second, that it is the HR professional's job to connect people with their purpose. After graduating, I quickly found my way into Reporting & Analytics because I wanted to grow my technical skills. Again, I expressed that I had little experience in the technical space but that I was eager to learn. Eventually, with a lot of patience, support, and googling, I was able able to use data to tell the Talent Acquisition story. I am proud of the unique, operational view of HR & Talent Acquisition that I have gained in last 5 years. In the next 5 years, I see a need to effect change in how HR operationalizes Diversity & Inclusion strategies at the programmatic level. As usual, I'm eager to learn how to most effectively cause change in this space but I'm even more excited to apply what I've learned to my passion for all people!