Kelly Hopkins

Born and raised in Kokomo, I’m proud to call this community home. I graduated from Kokomo High School and went on to play volleyball at Ball State University for five years, where I earned my bachelor's degree in Journalism Graphics and later my master’s in Emerging Media Design and Development. Since earning my bachelor’s in 2015, I’ve worked as a professional graphic designer, including freelancing. Currently, I serve as the Creative Specialist for HardingPoorman, a commercial print company in Indianapolis, where I’ve had the privilege of working with several well-known brands across various industries. These opportunities have given me invaluable experience in both creativity and collaboration. In addition to my design career, I coach the girls’ and boys’ volleyball teams at Kokomo High School. Coaching has fueled my passion for mentoring young adults and helping them grow, both on and off the court. Over the years, I’ve built strong relationships with local business owners, many of which started through graphic design and branding projects, and I love supporting and connecting with locally owned businesses in our community. As a facilitator, I’m not your typical teacher. I believe in pushing students outside their comfort zones, embracing failure as a learning tool, and creating a professional environment where they can thrive. I want each participant to walk away with real-world experience and skills that will prepare them for the future. We’re going to grow together, and I’m looking forward to learning new things alongside the students. I couldn’t be more excited to lead this program and help shape the next generation of leaders.