YWCA Women of Excellence: Kelly Pert

What inspires you?

Doing things for others. My love language is acts of service. I kick it into high gear and work my hardest when what I do benefits my coworkers, family and friends.

What advice do you have for others?

Do what you love. It sounds cliche. But honestly, evaluate where you spend your waking hours - where you work, where you play, where you volunteer. It should be places you want to go around people that lift you up.

What is the greatest lesson you have learned on your journey?

Keep it lighthearted. An appropriate amount of humor can put people at ease, reset a tense situation and keep people interested in what you have to say.

What does your vision for our community look like?

More acceptance, less hate and it starts with everyone of us. We can't change what we refuse to see. We all need to embrace the differences in our community, in our world. What a boring place it would be if we were all the same.

What does "Equal - Powerful - Unstoppable" mean to you?

To me, it's a recognition of many women in this community that have been brave and foraged a path for others. It also represents a commitment to continue the effort to help young women explore their interests, see their potential and make their impact. As a mother of three daughters, I would want nothing less.