Joyce “Joy” Kelly is executive director of the Republic Foundation, a Chicago-based nonprofit that supports K-12 teacher retention and aims to develop student leaders chiefly in urban communities.  Kelly is a lifelong award-winning journalist and author who has written for news outlets as a staff reporter and as a freelancer. The news organizations include the Chicago Tribune, Thomson-Reuters Wire Service, United Press International, Los Angeles Times (Orange County Bureau), Pure News USA, Black Enterprise Magazine, Indianapolis Star, Peoria Journal Star, and the Daily Herald (Arlington Heights) among others.  Kelly has also served as a publicist and spokesperson for the American Library Association, the largest library association in the nation.

I have been part of The Conversation Project team for just over a year, and over that time I’ve created graphics and digital content, invited podcast guests and collaborators, and bridged connections between the Conversation Project and Loyola University educators. Prior to working with The Conversation Project, I have worked as an intern at Hope Community Church in Glenview, IL, leading middle school, high school, and college level ministry groups. I have also worked as a summer school intern at Maine West High School in Des Plaines, IL. As I continue my time at Loyola, I also engage in frequent classroom learning and observation.  As an undergraduate student studying English and Secondary Education at Loyola University Chicago, my story is just beginning. As a student, I’m always learning and always growing- these are two things I know will stay with me as I continue toward a career in education.