Congratulations to Kristina Stafford Kelly (ABJ ’08) on being recognized as a “40 Under 40” by the UGA Alumni Association.
Kelly is the Vice President of Communications for UP Entertainment, which broadcasts positive, uplifting entertainment and is home to television networks such as UPtv, AspireTV, UP Faith & Family and Cine Romántico. Kelly began her career as a PR intern at Lifetime Television while she was still in college and after graduating worked as a PR consultant for Turner Broadcasting. She has worked for AspireTV and UPtv in various roles since 2015. She leads press campaigns that generate over 8 billion impressions annually for entertainment and journalism channels and other audiences such as press, partners, advertisers and consumers. Kristina is the 2020 recipient of the Women in Cable Telecommunications Southeast Rising Star Award for Emerging Leaders, which recognizes influential leaders within their organizations and the telecommunications industry as a whole.
“I’ve wanted to work in PR since middle school,” Kelly said of her dream job.
She graduated from UGA with a degree in public relations and has been a mentor in the UGA Mentoring Program since the program began in 2019.
Watch the Q&A with Kelly below:
When you look back on your time at Grady, is there anything you wish you had done that would help you in what you do today?
If the UGA mentoring program existed, I would have definitely signed up! Especially early in a career, having a mentor to connect with is invaluable. I encourage everyone to search the database to see if there is a person that is a good fit.
What experience during your time at Grady College had the biggest impact on where you are today?
The internship program allowed me to spend an incredible summer interning in Lifetime Television’s PR department in Los Angeles. Thanks to the support of Grady and my professors, I was able to experience entertainment PR first hand, gain valuable experience in the field, and make friends for life.
What would you say to your 20-year-old self?
Your first job doesn’t have to be your forever job.
How do you get inspiration?
I surround myself with incredible women. I have several female mentors with different interests and backgrounds. They surprise me daily.
What does success mean to you?
For me, success means being happy and fulfilled in all areas of my life. Professional success is difficult to celebrate when it comes at the expense of your private life and vice versa. The two go hand in hand.
Are you currently working in your “dream job”? If not, what is your dream role?
Yes!! I’ve wanted to work in PR since middle school. Even though the entertainment industry isn’t always glamorous, I’ve always been fascinated by Hollywood and love being able to work behind the scenes in the industry. I also love where I work (UP Entertainment) and my amazing coworkers.
What was the best moment in your career so far?
As a voting member of the Television Academy, I was able to take my husband to the Emmys.
Rapid-fire bullet
Favorite Podcast: “Back to the Beach” with Kristin and Stephen
A professional tool you can’t live without: Cision – a constantly updated database of reporters
Favorite restaurant in Athens: In college it was Mexicali and Doc Cheys, but a restaurant that is still open would be Last Resort – I love their red velvet cake!
Your favorite place: Siena, Italy. My husband and I loved the city so much that we chose Siena when it came to choosing a name for our daughter!
Item on your bucket list: Holidays on the Amalfi Coast
Editor: Sarah Freeman, [email protected]
September 6th • 10am • Peyton Anderson Forum
40 under 40 panel: Message to my younger self
Join our Grady College 40 Under 40 award winners for a panel discussion to discuss what they wish they knew about life after college as students. Check out our event listing for more details.
