Emily O’Kelley
Grant Specialist
Focus on Marketing and Psychology at the University of Arkansas, Fort Smith
Throughout her life, Emily has always been drawn to helping others. In high school, she spearheaded her local DECA Chapter’s community service projects, supporting Make-A-Wish and the Arkansas Children’s Hospital. After graduation, Emily began her career at the Boys & Girls Club, starting as a marketing assistant before moving into leadership roles as Assistant Director, Club Director, and eventually Director of Development for four Clubs. Each role strengthened her passion for telling stories that inspire action and create stronger communities.
Emily’s experience in youth development and nonprofit leadership reinforced her belief in the power of words. Whether writing grants, crafting communications, or shaping stories that highlight impact, she has experienced firsthand how writing can open doors and create lasting change. Her passion for understanding and helping others led her to The Dottied i. A proud mental health advocate, Emily is often the one people call when they need a listening ear or a helping hand. She also embraces her role as the “cool aunt”, celebrating family milestones big and small with love and creativity.
Outside of writing, Emily fosters cats and kittens. She also loves being in the great outdoors- camping, exploring, reading in a hammock, collecting rocks, polishing geodes, or searching for crystals and diamonds in Arkansas’s natural wonders. At the same time, she enjoys being a homebody surrounded by her cats and dogs, happiest with a book in hand, a sketchbook nearby, or a scary movie playing in the background.