Kelly Casanova

Community Engagement Specialist

Kelly Casanova, MDP, PMP., is a bilingual Community Engagement Specialist at Graduate Philadelphia, with proficiency in Spanish and English. In her role, she works to build meaningful connections between the organization and the communities it serves. In this role, Kelly supports the designs and implements engagement strategies, program development, and collaborates with local stakeholders to advance opportunities for adult learners pursuing higher education and career growth.

Kelly’s career spans over five years of experience in community development, program management, and nonprofit leadership. Most recently, she worked as a Junior Consultant, where she supported grant writing, conducted research and data collection, and collaborated with stakeholders to deliver impactful solutions. Previously, Kelly served as the Professional of Leadership and Organizational Development for the Pacific Task Force Alliance, where she supported the design of operational strategies, conducted SWOT analysis, and implemented grant application orientation plans to strengthen organizational effectiveness.

Originally from Cali, Colombia, Kelly has always been passionate about education and its transformative power. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and a  Master’s Degree in Management and Development Practices from the University of Los Andes, as well as a Project Management (PMP) certification. Committed to lifelong learning, Kelly plans to pursue a doctoral degree in Management in the near future to deepen her expertise and continue advancing innovative solutions for social and economic impact.

Beyond her professional work, Kelly is an avid reader and actively participates in volunteer activities. She also enjoys running and exploring Philadelphia’s many Parks, where she recharges her energy for work and personal goals.

Kelly Casanova Headshot