Kelli Palmer is the Head of Global Inclusion & Diversity and Corporate Citizenship at the CFA institute in Charlottesville, VA, which is a a global, not-for-profit professional organization that provides investment professionals with finance education. In this position, Kelli’s main role is to “promote and advance socially responsible practices in the environment, social, and governance areas for the organization’s operations and activities.” She describes that it is a fast-paced role that offers opportunities to work in a variety of fields.
Kelli is a person that represents historically underrepresented populations and describes her motivation in the field as “the future.” One challenge in the work is the idea that some of things she seeks to conquer in the areas of diversity and inclusion feel insurmountable.
To prepare for a career in diversity and inclusion, students can study in a variety of areas, “depending on what drives them and what they’re passionate about.” Corporate citizenship is the intersection of business and society so some fluency in business can be of value. She encourages students to get outside of the classroom and to get engaged in things that they are passionate about.
To learn more about Kelli’s career and other careers in Diversity and Inclusion, check out Candid Career
