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College and Career Specialist, Certified Career Advisor

School District of Lee County

Kelly Thawley graduated from Muskingum University in New Concord, Ohio, with a bachelor’s degree in education and a minor in psychology. As a college and career specialist for the School District of Lee County, Thawley’s passion is helping students discover their own passion.

“I oversee work-based learning, career exploration and business partnerships, from kindergarten through 12th grade, within the Career and Technical Education Department. My goal is to help students discover their passions, connecting them to the local workforce in Southwest Florida and encouraging them on the pathway to a successful career,” she says. “I am also deeply committed to inspiring young women to follow their dreams and fulfill their true potential.”

To fulfill her goal of helping young women grow and thrive, Thawley serves on the planning committee for the LEAD Like a Girl program, on the board of directors for Our Mother’s Home and as the chair of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce’s Women in Business Committee. She is also a proud FutureMaker and was a member of SWFL Inc.’s Leadership Class of 2020. In the future, she hopes to continue serving the community and students by helping to connect education and workforce development.