Project Leader, Structural Engineer, EMI USA

Professional Training & Experience

• Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering, Kansas State University, 2005
• Master of Science, Civil Engineering (structures emphasis), University of Kansas, 2016
• Professional Engineer license, Civil Engineering, Kansas, USA

After completing her bachelor’s degree at Kansas State University, Kelly served one and a half years in the United States Air Force as a civil engineering officer.  She then worked for the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) in Topeka, Kansas, one year in the Road Design section and then 12 years in the Bridge Design section, her last four and a half years managing a team of engineers.  During this time with KDOT Kelly received her master’s degree from the University of Kansas and her professional engineering license.  Kelly left KDOT in February 2020 and after a short time working in the EMI U.S. office, followed by 20 months of language study in France, Kelly moved to Senegal in early June 2022.

Ministry Experience

At her home church Kelly served in a variety of roles; as a member and leader of the board of trustees, as a member and leader of the missions team, as a discipleship group leader, on the Sunday service technology team, with ministries to a local assisted living facility and to homeless families in the community, and with vacation Bible school.  Kelly also had the opportunity to lead a weekend mission trip to a Hispanic church in Kansas.  Kelly is currently a volunteer staff member at her home church, bringing a cross-cultural perspective to staff discussions, and a ministerial student within the church’s denomination.

Exploring God’s call to cross-cultural missions led Kelly on short-term mission trips to Ecuador and to the Czech Republic and then to serve as a volunteer on an EMI project trip to Tanzania in 2018.

Family

Kelly’s parents live in the state of Kansas in the United States.  She has one brother and is the aunt to four nieces and one nephew.  Kelly loves being active and outdoors and likes to get outside to run, walk, bike or hike.  In her free time she also enjoys listening to music and playing the piano.