“The best opportunities are often the ones you never planned for.”
Some people chase a career. Others chase a purpose.
For Kelly Lao, purpose has always come first.
Spend just a few minutes talking with her, and it becomes clear that she isn’t someone who measures success by titles or accolades. Instead, she measures it by relationships, the communities she serves, and the opportunities she creates for others. Her calm confidence, thoughtful perspective, and genuine kindness make it easy to understand why people naturally gravitate toward her.
Our conversation didn’t feel like a formal interview. It felt like sitting down with someone who was willing to openly share the experiences that shaped her, both personally and professionally. Kelly reflected on the moments that challenged her, the lessons that stayed with her, and the excitement she felt stepping into a new chapter of her career.
Growing up in the Quad Cities, Kelly was surrounded by a community that taught her the importance of family, service, and showing up for others. Those values became the foundation of her life long before she realized the direction her career would take.
“I’ve always believed in the importance of community,” Kelly shared. “The people around you have such a big impact on who you become.”
That sense of connection has guided nearly every decision she’s made.
While many people imagine careers unfolding according to a carefully written plan, Kelly’s journey looked a little different. It was shaped by curiosity, a willingness to embrace change, and saying yes to opportunities that allowed her to continue learning.
“I don’t think there’s one perfect path,” she said. “Every experience teaches you something, even the ones that don’t go exactly the way you expected.”
Her first job wasn’t glamorous, but it taught her lessons she’ll never forget. Learning how to communicate with people from different backgrounds, work as part of a team, and take responsibility laid the groundwork for the leader she would eventually become.
As her career evolved, so did her understanding of leadership.
For Kelly, leadership isn’t about having all the answers or being the loudest voice in the room.
It’s about listening.
It’s about making people feel valued.
And it’s about creating an environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
“The best leaders create space for other people to grow,” she explained. “When people feel supported and trusted, they’re capable of amazing things.”
That philosophy has followed her throughout every role she’s held.
Like anyone pursuing meaningful work, Kelly has experienced setbacks and moments of uncertainty. There were times when stepping outside her comfort zone felt intimidating. There were opportunities that required taking a leap without knowing exactly what would happen next.
Looking back now, she wouldn’t change any of it.
“The challenges are what shape you,” she reflected. “You don’t always recognize it in the moment, but those experiences build resilience and prepare you for what’s ahead.”
Instead of viewing obstacles as failures, she sees them as opportunities to grow.
It’s a mindset that has helped her navigate change with confidence and optimism.
Throughout our conversation, one thing became increasingly clear: Kelly believes relationships are at the heart of everything.
Whether she’s collaborating with colleagues, working alongside community partners, or connecting with people through the arts, she believes meaningful work begins with genuine human connection.
“People remember how you make them feel,” she said. “Building authentic relationships has always been one of the most important parts of my career.”
That belief also explains why organizations like the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce matter so much to her.
Kelly credits the Chamber with creating opportunities that strengthen both individuals and businesses throughout the Quad Cities.
“The Chamber brings people together,” she said. “It creates opportunities to learn from one another, support local businesses, and celebrate the diversity that makes our community stronger.”
She believes that when communities invest in one another, everyone benefits.
Networking, to Kelly, isn’t about collecting business cards.
It’s about building trust.
Finding mentors.
Supporting one another.
And creating lasting relationships that continue long after an event ends.
Outside of work, Kelly finds balance by spending time with family and friends, staying connected to her community, and making space for the things that bring her joy. Those moments, she says, help keep her grounded and remind her why the work she does matters.
As our conversation turned toward the future, Kelly’s excitement was impossible to miss.
This August, she’ll begin serving as the new Director of the Muscatine Art Center after a three-month national search.
It’s a role she’s genuinely excited to step into, not because of the title, but because of the opportunity.
The opportunity to preserve history.
To celebrate art.
To inspire curiosity.
And to create a place where people from every generation feel welcome.
“As I begin this new chapter as Director of the Muscatine Art Center, I am inspired by the opportunity to build on the institution’s remarkable legacy while imagining what the future can be,” Kelly said. “I believe museums have the power to spark creativity, bring people together across generations and cultures, and serve as dynamic spaces where art, history, and community can intersect.”
She is eager to work alongside the staff, volunteers, supporters, and the Muscatine community to ensure the Art Center continues to grow while honoring its rich history.
Looking ahead, Kelly hopes to expand the Center’s reach by creating new opportunities for programming, strengthening its exceptional permanent collection, and welcoming new audiences through its doors.
“In the coming years, I look forward to contributing to the Muscatine Art Center and its surrounding community. My goal is to expand the Center’s reach while creating new opportunities for the staff, programming, and exceptional permanent collection. By inviting diverse new audiences to engage with our rich offerings, I hope to inspire them through the unique history and art preserved here.”
Listening to Kelly describe her vision, one thing becomes obvious.
She isn’t simply thinking about what the Art Center can become.
She’s thinking about what it can mean to the people it serves.
Before wrapping up our conversation, we asked Kelly what advice she would give to someone just beginning their career.
Her answer reflected the same humility and curiosity that have defined her own journey.
“Stay curious. Be open to opportunities you never expected. Build genuine relationships, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. You don’t have to have everything figured out to move forward.”
It’s simple advice.
But it carries the wisdom of someone who’s lived it.
Every chapter of Kelly’s story has been built on curiosity, compassion, and a willingness to embrace new possibilities. Rather than chasing a predetermined destination, she’s allowed each experience to prepare her for the next.
Today, that journey brings her to Muscatine.
Tomorrow, it will undoubtedly lead to new ideas, new partnerships, and new opportunities to serve her community.
If there’s one thing our conversation made clear, it’s that Kelly Lao leads with heart.
She believes in people before positions.
In collaboration before recognition.
In community before self.
And perhaps that’s why her story resonates so deeply.
Because at its core, it isn’t just about professional success.
It’s about choosing to leave every place, and every person—a little better than you found them.
As Kelly begins this exciting new chapter at the Muscatine Art Center, there’s no doubt she’ll continue doing exactly that: bringing people together through creativity, culture, and a genuine commitment to community.
Her story is still being written, and the next chapter is just beginning.
