Reflecting on Kelli Poole's Impactful Journey at SJPLA
As 2023 comes to a close, we’re bidding farewell to Kelli Poole after three and a half amazing years at SJPLA, while she shifts to focus full-time on her work at Talent Poole. Luckily for us, we get to continue to partner with her as a facilitator on offerings like Liberatory Leadership and more. We’re closing out the year by reflecting on her contributions and the indelible mark she has left on our organization and community.
Kelli's vision for the Racial Equity in Homelessness Initiative was groundbreaking. By seeding the initiative at SJPLA, she trusted us with a precious vision for a new community. Kelli is a visionary, focusing the initiative’s efforts on the people driving the work to end homelessness in LA, in a time when there was very little focus on the needs of the sector’s workforce.
A champion of abundance, Kelli's commitment to resourcing people and projects has been a cornerstone of her work. She has been a vocal advocate to adequately fund the work of racial and social justice which has been for so long under-resourced.
Kelli has also been instrumental in promoting wellbeing and balance. Her advocacy for reasonable workloads and the importance of rest and rejuvenation has been transformative for leaders and workplaces across the sector, including ours.
Kelli's authenticity, clarity, and unwavering advocacy for frontline workers and BIPOC leaders have been game-changing for the sector. Her spirit and energy, coupled with her commitment to abundance and honesty, have illuminated our spaces. Kelli is such a bright light in any room she enters!
Kelli’s example has taught us the importance of being true to ourselves, prioritizing our wellbeing, and embracing simplicity in complex situations. She has shown us the power of choosing ourselves and thriving authentically in our careers.
Kelli, your journey ahead at Talent Poole will continue to be a gift to our communities, and we look forward to continuing to walk alongside you in the work for justice and liberation.
Thank you for the ways you have made us question what is and inspire us to envision what could be. Your legacy at SJPLA is a testament to the power of vision, imagination, and heart. We’re excited to continue our partnership in this next chapter and beyond!