Kelly Fair

Kelly  Fair is founder and executive director of Polished Pebbles Girls Mentoring Program. Starting in 2009, Polished Pebbles has helped over 1,500 girls ages seven to 17 become effective communicators at home, school and the workplace with the support of a network of over 500 volunteers and community partners. The program has grown nationally to Indiana and Texas, and to Duke University.

Prior to founding Polished Pebbles,  Kelly  managed research studies, national marketing for McGraw-Hill Publishing Company and a non-profit college preparatory program for high school students. Kelly is also the author of the new book, "They're All The Same Girl: Lessons Learned While Mentoring Our Girls & Building Polished Pebbles."

Kelly was recently recognized by ComEd as one of Chicagoland's "Neighborhood Heroes" for her outstanding work in the local community and Chicago neighborhood, Roseland. She was also honored by Walker's Legacy and Accelerate with Google in celebration of Women's History Month. Her service was recognized by Verizon Wireless in 2013 as part of their "Everyday Heroes" initiative, and in 2014, Kelly was a recipient of the Margaret Burroughs Award and the American Red Cross Heroes Award.