On our newest episode of Women STaRs, we have the pleasure of sitting down with Kathryn Kelley, Executive Director at Ohio Manufacturing Institute. Kathryn has served as executive director of the Ohio Manufacturing Institute since 2013, where she develops policies and programs to support manufacturing innovation and workforce needs. Currently, she is lead coordinator of Ohio State’s Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology program.

Our conversation with Kathryn is filled with great stories and even greater advice. Kathryn touches on many of her struggles and triumphs, including everything from using education as path to build her own life and support system, to finding success in building bridges between people who need to be connected. Kathryn’s perspective on coming at obstacles from all angles and to always keep moving is just one of the many pieces of wisdom that this conversation offers that you won’t want to miss. She even shares with us a tool she uses to uplift herself: keeping a compliment folder to buoy her spirit. 

Join us in enjoying this episode to learn more about what that folder entails, how she has overcome hardship and celebrated successes, and so much more!

If you’d like to get in contact with Kathryn, you can reach out by phone at (614) 256-3724 or email her at kelley.81@osu.edu.

Thank you to our sponsor, On Technology Partners for their support, guidance, and ongoing encouragement.

Quotes

“You never realize what amount of fortitude you have until it’s tested.”

“Part of being successful is sometimes you’re going to have missteps and mistakes. I really love this phrase from Emily DeRocco: ‘Proceed until apprehended.’”

“When something is hindering your path, and you have to find a way to get around it, get through it, find another route—the most important thing you can do is just keep moving. I had a boss who called me Scout because I’m always finding new routes to take.”

“I saw all these community leaders at the top of their game, and I noticed they weren’t trying to jostle with their position or put anybody else down. They were comfortable in their own skin…You have to find your own authenticity.”