Member Spotlight: Kelly Marble
While most young professionals make the adjustment from college to navigating the ‘working world,’ it can be challenging to find the time, energy or courage to get involved outside of your regular 9-5.
Kelly Marble isn’t one of those young professionals. Kelly was eager to jump right into various Des Moines professional organizations and she is constantly challenging herself to learn new skills and seek out new challenges.
Kelly spoke with Ashley Dalsing, PRSA Central Iowa newsletter chair to discuss her career path and how being active in the community has kept her on her toes at all times.
Where did you go to college and what did you study?
I am originally from Minnesota, and I moved to Des Moines to attend Drake University. As for what I studied — I feel as if I majored in everything but the kitchen sink! I studied public relations, international relations with a Spanish minor and a concentration in global comparative health.
What has your career path looked like from graduating college to now?
When I graduated college, I started out managing social media for Orchestrate Hospitality, which was a great experience. But, I wanted to leverage the Spanish minor and health concentration which is why I jumped on the opportunity to interview for Primary Health Care’s Marketing and Community Relations role.
The thing that both of these roles has taught me is how important it is to always be willing and ready to learn new skills and take on new challenges.
Give an overview of your current role and the company you work for?
I am the Marketing and Community Relations Specialist at Primary Health Care, which is a nonprofit organization providing medical and dental care at our 11 clinics in Des Moines, Marshalltown and Ames. Primary Health Care is committed to filling the gaps in the health care system and making it easier for people to get access to the care they need.
What are some of your daily tasks for key projects/initiatives that you work on?
No day is ever the same. From working community events, helping connect patients to resources through social media to event planning—it’s different every day!
What are some of your hobbies outside of work?
I like to joke that I don’t know how to be bored. Outside of work I teach yoga and serve on a few boards within the community. I am involved in the planning and publicity for Flourish—a community investment event for small businesses through FemCity Des Moines. I also am involved with Young & Hungry which is the young professionals group for the Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC).
When I’m not running all over Des Moines, I love reading, blogging and working on my food photography skills!
Last but not least—what was your childhood dream? Did you imagine doing what you are today?
When I was younger, for years I said that I was going to be a vet because I loved animals—then I realized that animals hate going to the vet. My next option then was to become the next Carolyn Keene because I was obsessed with Nancy Drew.
While fiction writing is not one of my strengths, I did end up choosing a career where I get to be a storyteller in some capacity.
Keep up with Kelly Marble and all of her accomplishments by connecting with her on LinkedIn.
