![](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/649c2d5864526506c612f858/29551ef7-a06e-46f6-ac1d-91ad30ddf0ea/kreece_portrait_110724.jpg)
creativity | curiosity | equanimity
“Good design comes from good research, perspective-taking, and a collaborative design process. I am driven by challenges that allow me to use my seemingly contradictory blend of analytical thinking, creativity, and empathy.”
Kelley Reece is a communications designer turned licensed social worker and public policy researcher.
Initiative Industries is her studio name under which she offers organizations and individual clients her diverse talents including:
Branding & Graphic Design
Data Analysis & Visualization
Illustration
Photography
Copy Writing
Curriculum & Workshop Design
EXPERIENCE
The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD Jan 2024 – Oct 2024
Project Outcomes Lead, Healthy Minds Healthy Communities Houston, TX
Reported impact of ARPA-funded community-initiated care program to Harris Center’s Board of Directors and Harris County Commissioners Court for ten target zip codes
Created culturally informed messaging salient to service population; reaching 56% more community members than target set by Commissioner’s Court
Analyzed and visualized population data and demographic shifts of target zip codes over time; findings shaped communications strategies
Initiated change within the Harris Center due to project success; resulting in creation of community outreach department to continue the work
Initiative Industries | May 2011 – Present
Principal Designer & Owner | Houston, TX
Designed branding, advertisements websites, and packaging for clients including Leadership Houston, Hamilton College, and Syracuse University’s LGBT Resource Center
Conducted intake consultations with new clients to ascertain project scope and communication challenges; resulted in client relationships lasting for over two years
Lead Connect Grow, LLC | May 2021 - Present
Writer & Editor | Houston, TX
Created and presented workshops about intersectionality, leadership, and communication for organizations and working groups; Quality of programming led to strong business relationships with Williams Energy, Methodist Hospital, and TRIO groups across the country
Delivered keynote to audience of over 500 at the West Virginia TRIO Leadership Conference
Communities in Schools | Aug 2020 – May 2021
Graduate Social Work Intern | Houston, TX
Built and coded a web-based resource library for continuing education opportunities for staff during the COVID-19 pandemic
Houston in Action | Aug 2018– May 2019
Graduate Voter Engagement Social Work Intern | Houston, TX
Conducted policy audit on Harris County voting laws and poll access; persuaded City Council to open polling locations on University of Houston Campus for the 2018 election
Persuaded Episcopal Health Foundation grant funders to fulfill budget gaps comparative data visualizations comparing Harris County to LA county; Resulted in securing $250,000 grant
Judson Design | Aug 2011– Feb 2015
Designer | Houston, TX
Designed for clients including Dress for Success, the Jung Center, Texas Medical Center, Ritz Carlton Hotels, Mitchell Historic Properties, Carrabba’s Original, Mia’s, and Grace’s
Pride Union | Sept 2009 – May 2011
President & Social Outreach Coordinator | Syracuse, NY
Executed campus-wide events with other Student Union and local organizations through roles at Syracuse University’s LGBT Resource Center
Led student discussion groups and engaged students in peer-to-peer counseling
The OutCrowd Magazine | Sept 2009 – May 2011
Art Director, Syracuse University LGBT Resource Center | Syracuse, NY
Conceptualized and project managed editorial art work from student artists; Resulting in four issues over the course of 2 years with a readership of over 20,400 students
Syracuse University LGBT Resource Center | Sept 2009 – May 2011
Graphic Designer | Syracuse, NY
Created advertisements, calendars, and fliers for hundreds of LGBT Resource Center event programming
EDUCATION
Master of Social Work, University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work, Graduated May 2021
Master of Public Policy, University of Houston Hobby School of Public Affairs, Graduated May 2021
Bachelor of Fine Arts Communications Design, Syracuse University, Graduated May 2011
LICENSE
Licensed Master Social Worker - #108976
SKILLS
Concept Development, Culturally Informed Communications, Data Analysis, Data Visualization, Needs Assessments, Community Engagement, Project Management, Stata, Adobe Creative Suite
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Phi Alpha Alpha International Honor Society for Public Affairs & Administrators
Phi Alpha Honor Society of Social Work
Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management
National Association of Social Workers
National Organization for Human Services
Work in Action