Accomplished leader with over two decades of experience addressing forced displacement and humanitarian crises. Co-founded the globally recognized Refugee Self-Reliance Initiative, reshaping refugee responses towards sustainable long-term outcomes. Recognized for proactive engagement in policy and advocacy endeavors and keen curiosity to explore all aspects of displacement-related challenges. Kellie’s work emphasizes enhanced local ownership in refugee initiatives and improving refugee responses through research. Demonstrated proficiency in managing large-scale programs, expanding programming, fundraising, HR, and finance. Adjunct Professor at New York University's Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, instructing on humanitarian action, displacement, and development.In addition, Kellie is a co-lead organizer of Empire State Indivisible, a grassroots movement that advocates for progressive policies and candidates in New York. She ran as a progressive Democrat to be the first woman to represent New York Assembly District 73 in 2022.