Kelly has a PhD in Medical Anthropology from the Ohio State University and a Masters of Public Health from Tulane focused on International Health and Development in the context of complex emergencies. Her work prior to joining the END Fund focused on gender, social protection, social determinants of health, and health equity in global health with various international organizations including The World Bank, Catholic Relief Services, UNICEF, and Women for Women International. She has led global health research and programs for almost two decades across Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America, and the United States.