Today we’d like to introduce you to Stacey Kaleh.
Hi Stacey, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
From an early age, my parents instilled in me the importance of serving others. They modeled this by working in nonprofit leadership and actively volunteering in the community. My idea of work has always been as a pathway toward making a positive difference in the world.
That perspective has really shaped my education and career decisions. I try to merge the things I love — writing, art, learning — with my strengths — communications, strategic planning, and partnership development — and put these passions and skills to work for causes and organizations I believe are doing good for people and for society. I’ve spent the majority of my career at educational institutions, including museums and universities, but have also worked for many local nonprofits and prioritize serving on nonprofit boards and advisory councils. All of these experiences have led me to where I am today. I have the privilege of facilitating collaborations and partnerships to propel innovative research in ethical and responsible AI at the University of Texas at Austin, and am also a freelance writer, communications consultant, and active community volunteer.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road has definitely been a hilly, winding one! I started out working in the arts, mainly at art museums, and actually have degrees in both communications and museum studies. I originally saw myself working in art and museum education.
As a fourth-generation Austinite with most of my family in Austin, it is important to me to give back to my hometown and help it grow in a thoughtful way that maintains our authentic identity as a city and community. My desire to live and work in Austin didn’t always mesh well with my desire to work in museums, as there are limited opportunities here. I was lucky enough to work at one of Austin’s major art museums for about 5 years, but when I was ready to grow into a leadership position, I needed to look beyond museums. I’ve since had jobs at local nonprofits and am now back in a University setting.
Looking back now, it’s easier to see a connective thread between my different jobs, because my commitment to education and to increasing access and inclusion through communications, partnerships, and community-building has been a constant throughout. Once I let go of having one set career path, a whole new world of possibility opened up for me. And it’s been amazing because I have been able to stay true to my core values, follow my passions, continue learning, and grow professionally all while serving my greater community here in my hometown.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a mom, writer, connector, communicator, and strategic planner. I help organizations think through their values, how to uphold them, and how to achieve both their short- and long-term goals. Oftentimes, I am working on branding, creative storytelling, partnership development, and designing public programs.
In my current role as Associate Director of Partnerships and Programs for Good Systems — Ethical AI at UT Austin — I help people connect and collaborate to advance shared goals, developing partnerships across sectors and disciplines that propel responsible innovation in research and education. I also lead communications, stakeholder engagement, and develop public programs that bring together diverse perspectives on topical issues in AI ethics, such as responsible AI governance, trust and transparency in AI systems, and how AI technologies are changing the way we think about education and creative work.
What were you like growing up?
I call myself a curious optimist (hence my personal business name – Curious Optimist LLC.).
I tend to see the bright side of things and maintain a positive attitude (even when it’s hard). I have always been super passionate, curious and eager to learn, and maybe a little bit rebellious. I like to think I think outside-the-box and am totally an ideas person. I love to brainstorm!
Despite what I do for work, which involves a lot of outreach and public speaking, I consider myself an introvert. I am first and foremost an observer, and I think that helps me as a writer and relationship-builder. I learn, observe, and then am often able to identify connections and themes that others may miss.
Interest-wise, I’ve always loved visual art (especially painting), live music (going to rock concerts), writing, being an early adopter of new technologies, and traveling. I love to explore and push my own boundaries, and I love how art and music both build community and expose us to new perspectives.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kalehmedia.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacey-ingram-kaleh-b5b66725/
- Other: https://curious-optimist.medium.com/
