Meet Kelly
Kelly was born and raised in the vibrant neighborhood of Chelsea, MA by her parents, Socorro Garcia and Roberto Garcia. Growing up in a bustling household with five siblings and a beloved dog named Beamer, Kelly was instilled with the values of service and community by her parents and her aunt, Gladys Vega. As the Executive Director of La Colaborativa and a prominent civil rights activist, Aunt Gladys played a significant role in shaping Kelly's commitment to making a difference.
From an early age, Kelly's parents fostered in her a deep love for her community and a strong sense of responsibility. These valuable lessons propelled her into a fulfilling career as a dedicated public school educator, where she tirelessly served for eight years. Furthermore, Kelly's passion for her community led her to become a respected member of the Chelsea School Committee.
Currently serving as the Chairwoman of the Chelsea School Committee, Kelly advocates on behalf of those who are often overlooked and forgotten. Having attended the Chelsea Public Schools herself, she understands the unique challenges that the community faces. Her educational journey includes a B.A. in Psychology from the College of the Holy Cross and a Master's Degree from Boston University.
Now, Kelly seeks to become a Chelsea City Councilor at Large. Her decision to run for this position stems from her deep concern for the well-being of her beloved community. As a former public school educator and the current Chairwoman of the School Committee, Kelly has witnessed the neglect suffered by the youth and the voiceless for far too long. With this sense of urgency and the belief in a fresh perspective, she presents herself as a candidate.
With her campaign centered around the motto, "Our city, our vote," Kelly emphasizes that this journey is not about her as an individual but about the people of Chelsea who deserve fair wages, educational equity, affordable housing, and consistent access to nutritious food. Her goal is to amplify the voices of the community and bring about the positive change that Chelsea desperately needs.
Kelly's candidacy for Chelsea City Councilor at Large represents a strong and unwavering commitment to the betterment of the community she holds dear. With her experience, passion, and determination, she aspires to be the advocate that Chelsea deserves, ensuring a brighter future for all its residents.
Accomplisments
-
• Currently serves as the Chairwoman of the Chelsea School Committee.
• Currently serves as a Special Education administrator in Excel Academy Charter High School.
• Currently serves as an Organizing Captain for Latinos for Education.
• Co-founded the Equity Committee for Chelsea Public Schools.
• Co-founded the College and Career Awareness Advisory for Chelsea Public Schools.
• Served as Vice Chairwoman for the Chelsea School Committee for two years.
• Served as a former Chair for the following subcommittees on the Chelsea School Committee: Budget & Finance, Policy & Procedures, Curriculum & Instruction, and Human Resource.
• Served as a Teach for America corp member in 2015.
• Served as a judge for the Puerto Rican Pageant.
• Recognized by the Chelsea City Council as a National Hispanic Heritage Month Latinx Trailblazer for the endless advocacy and commitment to all students across the district.
• Received El Mundo Boston Latino 30 Under 30 for making an impact on the Massachusetts Latino community in the areas of business, sports, community service and fine arts.
-
• Advocated for the distribution of approximately 5,200 chromebooks, hotspots and meals to students in Chelsea during the school closure because of the COVID 19 pandemic.
• Organized a Student Advocacy Day where over 100 students were mobilized to advocate for more educational funding at the State House.
• Led a “Let’s Talk Series” for faculty, staff and students to express areas of concerns, strengths and recommendations for ways to improve DEI PDs, college and career counseling, mental health supports, and extracurricular activities.
• Implemented changes to the district wide calendar: Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples Day and added Juneteenth as a holiday.
• Created and implemented the first free little library in District 7 providing free books for all residents in the neighborhood.
• Spear-headed and passed over ten resolutions supporting the overall well-being of students across the district; Safe Safe Haven Resolution, Student Opportunity Act Resolution, Resolution to Declare Black Lives Matter, Resolution on State Funding for COVID 19 Expenses, and Resolution to Support Implementation of SOA Funding.
-
• Led a city-wide donation drive for Hurricane Maria survivors; sent over 300,000 pounds of food, clothes, and medical resources to Puerto Rico.
• Led a city-wide toy drive collecting and donating over 5,000 toys for children across the city of Chelsea.
• Led a city-wide Easter Basket drive collecting and donating over 5,000 baskets for children across the city of Chelsea.
• Served as one of the few elected officials to volunteer as an essential worker during the pandemic providing food to residents of Chelsea in La Colaborativa’s food pantry.
• Championed equity and inclusion throughout the district by bringing awareness to and making adjustments for families to feel safe and welcomed in all meetings and advocating for a Diversity Equity and Inclusion Director for the district.
Thank you for your Endorsements
