50 Leading Women: Kelsel Thompson

In honor and celebration of our Women’s Division‘s 50th Anniversary, we will be spotlighting 50 Leading Women making an impact, raising their voice, and leading the next generation of women in the workforce and Plano community.

Introducing, Kelsel Thompson, Manager for External Affairs and Paul Quin College Plano Site Coordinator. Kelsel is a selfless connector and if you have had the pleasure of meeting her, you know her heart & passion for building up the next generation of leaders. Kelsel started her now 25 plus year career in higher education as the Dean of Student Life at Austin College in Sherman, TX. Since joining Paul Quinn College in 2010, Kelsel has served as Dean of Students, Athletic Director, Manager of External Affairs – Alumni Relations, to now leading their Plano campus. Plano serves as the first site of Paul Quinn College’s Urban Work College Network and the ONLY work college in the state of Texas. Kelsel’s passion for their work program shines through as she names the individual students, or as they call themselves, “Quinnites”, currently participating in the program or even those that have already graduated. Kelsel beautifully represents the Four L’s of Quinnite Servant Leadership:

“Leave places better than you found them. Lead from wherever you are. Live a life that matters. Love something greater than yourself. ”

Outside of her role at Paul Quinn College, Kelsel is a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, serves on the Community Advisory Board of Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center at UTSouthwestern Medical Center, and is a part of Leadership Plano’s current Class 39.

1. Describe your leadership style and how you lead others.

As a servant leader, I focus on consensus building, collaboration, and communication.  I value each member of the team and their role.  Each team member, whatever the role, is important to having success and reaching goals.

2. How can women develop their leadership skills in the workforce?

Women develop their leadership skills by opting into new projects, seeking learning opportunities that maybe out of their comfort zone, and don’t shy away from the task and responsibilities that they provide them with leadership experience or roles in the workforce.

3. What are the most important decisions you make as a leader?

Most important decisions involved seeking solutions to the questions from the team to assist them in meeting their goals.  Advocating to address community issues and concerns.

4. What has been one of your biggest joys as a leader?

The biggest joy is watching former mentees and staff growing into their purpose and expanding far beyond the vision they have for themselves.

5. What has been your greatest career disappointment? What did you learn from it?

Career disappointment is not pursuing a doctoral degree.  I have learned that the doctorate will facilitate some expanded professional opportunities as well as grow my writing and research skills.

6. What strategies could be used to promote inclusion in the workplace?

The first strategy is to acknowledge the workplace has challenges in the area.  Second, senior leadership must not simply comment but role model the commitment to a workplace culture that intentionally cultivates an environment that provides the space for each team member to grow and develop.  Third, survey the workforce to understand their needs, experiences, and ideas.  Once done, utilize the information to set goals and expectations in the DEI space.  Fourth, create a safe space to share challenges or concerns as part of an ongoing strategy.  Know none of these things are easy nor will it happen without consistent cultivation.

7. What advice would you give your 25-year-old self?

To be patient, be kinder, and love yourself more.

8. What advice can you give to the next generation of female leaders?

Be Bold, be Prepared, be willing to do the grimy work, be ready to serve and show gratitude. Commit to self-care as a routine part of life.

9. Who inspired you and why?

My parents and grandparents inspired me. In the world of Jim Crow, segregation, separate but not equal, they showed me that dignity and worth is not defined by financial worth and/or the color of your skin; but how you treat others, your faith, and your character.

10. What do you want to be remembered for?

I want my dash to say #ConnecttoServe.  My commitment to serving my community, advocating for others, and connecting with others so the power of collaboration can be unleashed. No one is successful alone!