Kelsey Garvelli ’15 is a Program Administrator with the Independent Health Foundation
“I came into Canisius not knowing what I wanted my future to hold professionally.”
That uncertainty gave Garvelli plenty of room to explore. A dual major in Communication Studies and Psychology, Garvelli was drawn to psychology’s focus on how people think and what motivates their behavior, while her work-study position in the Communication Studies department introduced her to a field she came to see as essential to any career.
Working alongside faculty members gave Garvelli a closer look at the courses they taught and the many ways communication skills could be applied. Her Canisius coursework — from interpersonal communication and public speaking to marketing campaigns and creative projects — helped her build skills she knew would serve her well professionally.
That combination of classroom learning and hands-on experience came together during her senior year, when she completed an internship with the Independent Health Foundation through a Communication Studies internship.
It gave Garvelli an opportunity to apply what she was learning at Canisius in a real-world setting while exploring public health and community programming. It also helped her discover a career path. “One of the things I enjoy most about my role is the ability to combine creativity with purpose.”
Today, Garvelli puts that combination to work as a program administrator for the Foundation. Her days can include coordinating fundraising events, developing social media campaigns, creating educational resources and curriculum, managing projects and working with schools and community partners.
For Garvelli, the work is especially meaningful because it allows her to give back to the community where she was raised. She values the Foundation’s focus on helping local families, schools and neighborhoods build healthier habits and appreciates being able to contribute to that work as a Buffalo native and Canisius graduate.
Her advice to current Griffs is much like the lesson she learned herself: explore. Internships, volunteer experiences and campus involvement can help students discover interests and strengths they may not recognize at first.
And while her Canisius education helped launch her career, Garvelli says the relationships she built there have been just as lasting. Some of her closest friends today are fellow Griffs — including a friend who introduced her to her husband. “Those connections are what I cherish most.”
