Celebrating Kathryn Kelly

What inspired you to get involved in volunteering?

I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to move from my hometown of Chicago to Missoula, MT for college. However, even with this experience, I can only begin to empathize with the challenges and emotions that come with having to start a new life in a foreign country. I've always had a passion for dance, and when I learned about the struggles that refugee and immigrant families face when they come to a new country, I wanted to do something to help them feel welcome and integrated into our community.

I knew that dance could be a powerful tool for building connections and promoting inclusivity, so I decided to volunteer my time and teach dance classes -- usually hip hop, as requested -- to the children in these families.

Are there any specific challenges or obstacles you have faced along the way, and how did you overcome them?

One of the challenges I faced was finding a suitable space to hold the dance classes. Since it was a non-profit organization, we had limited resources and had to be creative in finding spaces to use. Sometimes we had to use community centers or outdoor spaces, and there were times when weather conditions were not ideal. However, we managed to overcome these challenges by collaborating with other organizations and leveraging community partnerships to secure suitable spaces for the dance classes.

Can you share any advice or words of wisdom for others who may be interested in volunteering?

My advice would be to find what you love to do and see how you can use that passion to benefit others. Volunteering is not only about giving back to the community, but it's also about using your skills and interests to make a meaningful impact. When you volunteer in an area that you're passionate about, it's more likely that you'll stay committed and motivated to continue your efforts.

What motivates you to continue pushing boundaries and striving for excellence in your volunteering?

The reward of seeing the smiles on the children's faces as they learn new dance moves and gain confidence in themselves is highly motivating to me. Knowing that I'm contributing to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for refugee and immigrant families through dance is a driving force behind my continued efforts. I believe that dance can break barriers and bring people together, and I'm committed to pushing boundaries and striving for excellence in my volunteer work to make a positive impact on the lives of these families.