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Kristy Steele

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General information

Hobbies & Interests

  • Photography and Photo Editing
  • Volunteering
  • Cinematography

Reading

  • Business
  • Cultural
  • Leadership
  • Psychology
  • Social Science
  • Social Issues
  • Self-Help
  • Politics
  • Design
  • History

I read books daily.

Bio

Kristy F. Steele is a nonprofit leader, harm reduction advocate, and psychology student who turns personal loss into community power. After losing her mother to a fatal overdose, Kristy founded Save Our Families, a Cleveland-based organization focused on harm reduction, community healing, and youth empowerment. As a Black, Indigenous, queer woman raised in poverty, she brings a trauma-informed approach to her work by combining lived experience with education, public health, and social justice. Kristy is committed to building culturally relevant systems of care that help people thrive and break generational cycles of harm.

Education

Franklin University

Bachelor's degree program

2021 – 2025

Majors:
  • Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology

Miscellaneous

Desired degree level:
Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)
Graduate schools of interest:
Case Western Reserve University, Ohio State University-Main Campus
Medical school interest:
No

Career

Miscellaneous

Dream career field:
Health, Wellness, and Fitness
Dream career goals:
Founder of a non-profit organization
Has nursing license:
No

Future Interests

  • Advocacy
  • Politics
  • Volunteering
  • Philanthropy
  • Entrepreneurship
Community Service is Key Scholarship
I'm the founder of Save Our Families nonprofit; we are a start-up organization in Cleveland, Ohio. When I'm not working for the bank, I'm employed or doing homework for my classes, and I'm focused on growing the organization. The hours I've put into building this organization, I'm sure, are now in the hundreds, if not thousands. My biggest takeaway is that the support we provide to our community is necessary and impactful. The emails I receive from the people we serve remind me that the work I do makes a difference in the lives of people I've never met. It's a fantastic feeling to know I can create change through giving.
Bold Acts of Service Scholarship
I've dedicated my life to helping others. After losing my mom to an overdose, I founded a small nonprofit organization that focuses on providing resources to our community, from giving gifts during the holidays, supplying food to referrals to mental health programs and addiction recovery. I'm also pursuing a degree in psychology to provide services for low-cost or free to our clients. I just want to see others grow, heal, and succeed.
Bold Loving Others Scholarship
I'm the go-to friend and family member for advice and support. I'm always there when I'm needed. When I come across things I know people need, I'm sure to connect them with the resource. Overall enjoy making people feel like they're being acknowledged. Often as adults, we get overlooked and forgotten in moments when support would be excellent. We become the adults, and no one is there to pat us on the pack; now it's my job to pat everyone on the pat and a reminder that they're doing their best!
Pandemic's Box Scholarship
I've always wanted to start a nonprofit, so in April of 2020, I did that! I saw how mental health became a topic of concern as the world was shutting down. In honor of my late mother, who passed away from an overdose, I started Save Our Families to help people find mental health resources. As our organization grows we are able to provide our community with clothing, school supplies, and gifts during the holiday season. The pandemic pushed me into my purpose, which is helping others thrive. Currently, I'm working on a psychology degree so that one day I'll be able to provide affordable and accessible therapy to the members of my community.
Kristy Steele Student Profile | Bold.org