I’m stoked to feature Kelli in the Strong Girl Spotlight today! Kelli and I both went to USC, but did not meet until after we both graduated -right before I started working for the Dodgers. She was already working for the team and she was so warm and welcoming–she made me feel so comfortable working there! Kelli is sweet, down-to-earth and I LOVE that she is SO supportive of other women! She’s a total STRONG GIRL and beautiful babe! Read her story for inspiration and motivation, keep up with her on Instagram and check out her book here! <3

Tell us about yourself!

I am a curious introvert with a super dorky personality, who plans her entire life around food and sweat. I love people, but I also adore my space and quiet time at home. I really enjoy having deep, thoughtful conversations with people, and if I could live in yoga pants the rest of my life, I would.

What does Strong mean to you and what makes you a Strong Girl?

Strong is being authentically who you are, in every sense of the word. It is tapping into your core and finding the power and grace within to be your best self every day; to evolve, to grow and to fulfill your greatest purpose.

I am a strong girl because I spend every day trying to give my mind, body and spirit everything it needs to feel powerful, calm, healthy and fulfilled. I have been living with an autoimmune disease for much of my life, and as that has evolved, I have realized that my strength not only comes from resiliency, but also being my best advocate and making choices for myself that benefit me immensely, regardless of what others want or expect.

What do you love about The Strong Movement?

I spend a lot of time mentoring and guiding young woman about grace, being your most authentic self, peer pressure, body image, and supporting other women. The Strong Movement has done an amazing job of supporting each of those for very impressionable young women.

You had the opportunity to play Volleyball for USC! What was that like? 

A dream! I have so many fond memories of the entire process. I learned so much about myself playing, being the captain, and then getting sick and having to retire after just two years. But going to such a prestigious school was life changing. I’m grateful every day.

How has healthy living increased your confidence and self-esteem?

I had an eating disorder in college and when I was finally diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, it led me to completely alter my life. It forced me to look deep within for strength and support, to look at my body as a temple and a place to be loved and adored. I still struggle with confidence and body image issues, especially working on television, but I am constantly reminding myself that there is no such thing as perfection, and that being healthy from the inside out is what makes someone the most beautiful.

What challenges and/or injuries did you have to overcome on your journey?

I was in the best shape of my life at 19, it was the spring of my sophomore year, and I was hit with a horrible condition. For 6 months we weren’t sure what was happening and then later found out it was fibromyalgia. That was a life altering experience. So much of what I knew was gone. But it was also a blessing. I had a chance to be a normal student, intern more in television and get a head start in my career. And it also led me to my health focused mindset I have now, which I truly enjoy.

What do you wake up looking forward to and excited about every day?

The chance to be better, in every way. I have a thirst for knowledge, helping people, and finding my own grace.

Do you have any daily rituals? What’s a day in your life like?

I am a control freak and love routine. I wake up pretty early, 7-8am… I always have my tea tonic (four stigmatic mushroom tea blended with coconut milk, vital proteins collage, vanilla, cinnamon and then I steep dandelion tea in that.) I like to workout in the morning, so either Orangetheory, pilates or yoga. And then depending on what I’m doing for work, I will get things done around the house, make lunch and watch Friends or Gilmore Girls reruns, then work. On my off days, I like to read, listen to piano music, always have many candles lit in my apartment, and cook. I am obsessed with podcasts right now too. So that has taken over my car rides and walks everywhere. My favorites are Balanced Bites and The Paleo View. I highly recommend!

What’s one healthy, positive habit that you’re proud of?

My entire day is focused on food because of my condition, and I am no longer afraid to say no to things that don’t serve me or make me feel bad. I’m really proud of myself for this… because it’s such a challenge. But I love the feeling of sticking up for my health.

What keeps you motivated when the going gets tough?

Knowing that the universe will always provide and take care of me. I also have amazing friends and family and a boyfriend that grounds me immensely. I know that sometimes, I just have to cry hard, let it go and move on. The next day almost always seems better and brighter.

What challenges or experiences have helped shape who you are and have contributed to building your Strong Mind?

Being sick has had the biggest impact, but my parents, from a very early age, allowed me to be independent and thoughtful. They valued my opinion and allowed me to be my own person. With every experience, whether in relationship or work, I have continued to build my mind, and allow it to grow and change, and stepping back and not judging it has been really important in terms of allowing myself to be who I am.

What do you love about your mind and body?

I love that I can look at myself and be happy with who I am and who I am becoming. I work hard for every bit of myself, and I didn’t always like who I was. Today, I’m proud of myself.

What is your mantra/philosophy you live by?

My health is always the most important thing. When I am operating as my best self, there is nothing I can’t do. Be nice to everyone, work hard, prepare, and love.

What’s it like working in an industry that is predominately male? And what is your advice for other women entering similar fields?

Isn’t every industry pretty much male dominated? I don’t see what I do as much different except for the fact that it’s more visible to people. I played sports my whole life and have always been around athletes and coaches so being in this world is actually pretty comfortable and makes a lot of sense from my experience. I would say the only areas where I have run into challenges have been with players coming on to me and the group of beat writers for the teams taking time to open up. There’s a sense of proving yourself as a woman amongst professionals in your business, and I think that’s a trust and respect that is earned over time. In respect to the players, it’s about standing firm in what you believe and setting the standard early and not veering from it.

For other women – Be who you are, always. Stand strong in who you are, what you believe and what matters. Ask questions to people that have been there longer, always be kind to everyone and work hard to master the information. Build relationships with the people around you because that will set you up for better interviews, better working environment and let’s be honest, if you can’t act like a normal person and just be kind and get to know people, you probably won’t succeed in any career.

What other goals and dreams do you have for your career?

I’d like to transition into having more thoughtful, long form conversations with people about life. We will see how I get there!

You’ve followed your heart and have worked hard to make your dreams a reality…. What advice do you have for other Strong Girls?

Stay true to what makes you tick. If you don’t love it, don’t do it. There’s a process and everything takes time, but if you’re not pursuing what you truly believe your purpose is, then you’re doing yourself and the world a disservice. Live your life to fulfill you and always lead with love, and the rest will come together.