Kelly Ripley Feller
Senior Project Program Manager
I am a professional change management consultant for iTalent Digital, working onsite at the technology company, Cisco Systems.
I work in the Information Technology department, where I manage programs and projects that help employees understand how to use the technology and tools available to them at work. I write articles, messages, instructions, documentation, and training that help employees learn new tools and transition to new tools from previous tools.
This role allows me to do two things I love to do: write and help people. I thrive in an environment where my efforts are constantly improving the experiences of others. That allows me to feel like I truly make a difference.
Because I manage a lot of different projects at once, my days are spent jumping back and forth from one project to another. One day, I might write an article for 1 project and create a training presentation for another. I spend some of my time in meetings working with my peers. And, because I am a subject matter expert on certain technology, I spend some portion of every day answering questions from users who are struggling with some of the tools they use at work.
I chose to study Communications in college knowing that a degree could prepare me for a variety of professions. I eventually got a job as a marketing specialist at a high technology company in the Bay Area. I held a variety of roles in marketing in various fields but landed back in high technology after taking a break to have a baby. I began to learn more about community marketing and social media and my career took a turn in that direction. I became an expert in social media and spoke at conferences all over the world, sharing my experience and helping others learn more about what was at the time a very new field.
I've learned so much over my 25+ year career in marketing, communications, social media, and change management and I'd love to share what I've learned with others. I envision myself public speaking again or possibly writing a blog or a book to help others understand some of the important principles of communications, both to educate and to drive change.
I love to cook, watch movies, spend time with my dogs, and spend time outdoors exploring the Pacific Northwest, where I live. I love to travel and discover new places.
"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." - Dr. Seuss, Theodore Geisel