Meet Kelsey Parsons, our new Step Up Employer Engagement Assistant
As summer planning continues to gear up for the Step Up Youth Employment Program, we've got some great new colleagues to help ensure another fantastic year of internships and other career experiences for high school youth. Kelsey Parsons, who has joined us as the new Step Up employer engagement assistant, comes to AchieveMpls from College Possible, where she oversaw programming for high school seniors.
In her new role, Kelsey engages current and prospective Step Up employers at Minneapolis-St. Paul companies and provides crucial support to maximize summer internship opportunities,
We asked Kelsey to share some insights into her life as a young student, her favorite memories from school and what she enjoys about working at AchieveMpls:
What's some good advice you received as a young person that changed your life?
I remember hearing that the things you do when no one is watching are the most important. That taught me to have integrity and hold myself to a high standard not for the recognition, but because it's the right thing to do.
What's one of your best memories from your school days?
I had a ton of fun during recess in elementary school. We used to play football, basketball, four square, pin guard - all sorts of games. I wish we could have recess every day as adults, too! I also enjoyed spending time in the pottery studio in high school. Being creative and working with my hands was a great part of my day.
Who was your favorite teacher or school staff member?
I loved my AP U.S. history teacher, Ms. Bailey. She had incredibly high expectations of us all and cared deeply about her job. Her willingness to challenge us and put in extra time outside of class made it clear that she was invested in all of us as individuals.
What activities did you participate in during high school?
I spent the majority of my time playing on the varsity softball team. I was also active in the Spanish Club and National Honor Society,
If you could have lunch with any person, dead or living, who would it be and why?
Tough question! Right now it might be Nneka Ogwumike, who plays basketball for the L.A. Sparks and is president of the WNBA Players Association. She’s played a big role in helping close the gender pay gap in basketball and uses her platform to advocate for social and racial justice. On top of all this, she’s an incredible basketball player. I really admire her leadership and would love to learn from her.
What do you like most about working at AchieveMpls (so far)?
The people and the mission! The team is friendly, thoughtful and centered on the needs and power of our city’s young people.