Today we’d like to introduce you to Tamala Kelly.
Hi Tamala, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am running to be the community’s voice on our City Council. My family and I have been a part of the Monrovia Community for 20 years. My children have attended Mayflower Elementary, Clifton Middle School and Monrovia High School. I am a pastor, educator, and community leader.
I learned compassion and caring from my parents. I remember my mother advocating for equal access to education. I watched my father be drawn into public service which inspired him and made him a better person.
When my children were young, I called myself a “stay at home mom” yet I spent a great deal of time volunteering in our community. And I took my children with me so they would be inspired by public service. When I went back to school, I sat at the kitchen table doing my homework along with my kids – who make me proud every day. I attended Pasadena City College, Citrus College, and Azusa Pacific University where I received my Doctor of Ministry degree.
Because I believe in the importance of public service, I found time for volunteer work. I organized community health fairs, food and clothing drives, hot meal deliveries, and served as an Ambassador with Child Help USA helping children who were victims of abuse.
In 2007, I became a partner with the Monrovia Youth Alliance through the Monrovia YMCA. The program focused on empowering youth (and their parents) through leadership and faith. I also founded Empower 2 Purpose, Inc. and still serve as its CEO. Empower 2 Purpose is a community-based organization focused on helping women discover their God-given purpose and worth. Under the umbrella of Empower 2 Purpose, I run Girl Power which is focused on empowering girls (aged 11-17) and helping them find their purpose in life.
After receiving my doctorate, my husband and I founded the Purpose Church in Monrovia in 2010. My husband and I believe that it is our reasonable service to serve humanity. When purpose and potential are unlocked and all of the citizens in Monrovia can thrive, then and only then can we begin the path of insuring a vital community.
Now, I want to use my experience, knowledge, and skills to help Monrovia become an even better place to live and work.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I have only been in office for two months, however I believe change is never easy. I am the first-ever elected African American Councilwoman since our inception in 1887.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
The first people that I have to give credit to are my parents. They taught me the value of being an agent of change. They taught me that our worth comes through serving others. I saw that demonstrated through the way they saw value in each human being no matter how imperfect they may seem. They taught me to have faith in God and by doing so would serve as an anchor.
My husband and children are the ones who consistently remind me of the value of my purpose in life. Reminding me to be authentically and consistently myself and that that is enough.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Dr.tamalakelly
