Meet Kelsi Young! As part of GFC’s development team, Kelsi plays an important role in cultivating relationships with institutional and individual donors.

KELSI, CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT WHERE YOU’RE FROM AND ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND?

I was born and raised in South Florida, and I moved to South Korea in 2015 after receiving my bachelor’s degree in anthropology. After teaching English for a few years, I began graduate school and obtained my Master of Public Health degree. While in Asia, I traveled to Thailand and came across GFC’s partner organization Center for Girls, with whom I worked for three years. This is how I became acquainted with GFC.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE CHILDHOOD MEMORY?

My favorite childhood memory is camping with my family during the winter months in Florida. We would spend the day hiking or fishing and build a big fire at night to keep warm. I loved waking up in the morning and hearing nothing but sounds of nature.

WHAT DREW YOU TO THIS LINE OF WORK, AND TO GFC?

There are many reasons why I chose this line of work, but I would say the answer that best sums it up is that I have always felt strongly about injustice. I can’t imagine myself putting my heart and effort into any other line of work other than that of fighting for justice and equity.

GFC is everything I was looking for in an organization. There is such a need to build the capacity of existing organizations instead of creating new ones with the same goals. GFC recognizes the competency of our partners and that they are best positioned to identify the needs of their own communities.

WHAT DO YOU THINK WILL BE THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF YOUR JOB? WHAT WILL BE THE MOST SATISFYING?

I think the most challenging part of the job (and field) is always wanting to do more and being limited by time and other constraints. The most satisfying part of the job is seeing the progress our partners make. I am constantly in awe of the amazing individuals we work with and their dedication to making life better for others.

WHY DO YOU BELIEVE GFC’S WORK IS IMPORTANT?

I firmly believe that building the capacity of existing organizations is the most effective way to reach and support the children and youth who are the most in need, and that investing in organizations based in and driven by the community is key to ensuring sustainable change. Community members will always be the best agents of change, and in supporting and providing resources to these grassroots organizations, real, tangible change can occur.

#FunFacts About Kelsi

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE TOY GROWING UP?

I can’t think of a toy in particular; I spent most of my time as a child playing outdoors. I loved to climb trees and explore the woods by my home. I always had different animals around growing up and raised a squirrel, mice, a snake, a few birds, cats, an iguana, and even tarantulas.

WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP?

As a child, I wanted to be a veterinarian because I have always loved animals.

WHAT’S THE WEIRDEST THING YOU’VE EVER EATEN?

The weirdest thing that I’ve eaten is probably fermented stingray. It smelled like ammonia and had a strong taste but wasn’t so bad when eaten with kimchi.

DO YOU HAVE A PET PEEVE?

My biggest pet peeve is closed-mindedness and people who lack empathy.

IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY SUPERPOWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

If I could have any superpower, I would definitely choose teleportation. There are so many places to see, and so much food to eat!