Lisa M E Kelly

Biography

Lisa M E Kelly is a business consultant with MLK Consulting in Toronto, specializing in training, communication, research, business development and business strategy. With more than 25 years of experience, she helps organizations strengthen workplace inclusion, remove barriers and turn equity commitments into practical results. Lisa’s career spans business outreach, diversity and disability consulting, employment counselling, program development, program management, sales and training. She co-created CoEd Communications, which developed curriculum-based programs that brought subjects such as Canadian history to life. Its work included a Canadian history comic book and a teaching awards program that became the Governor General’s History Awards in its inaugural year. She later trained as a career and work counsellor and worked as an employment counsellor, trainer and advocate for people seeking meaningful, well-paid employment. At the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, Lisa served as a business development manager and team lead for the Discover Ability Network. In that role, she helped employers build inclusive workplace cultures and address barriers affecting employees and customers. Her broader business development experience includes securing grants and private program funding and selling chamber memberships. She has delivered presentations and training for audiences including CBC/Radio-Canada and KPMG, as well as at CASE, VRA/CAVEWAS and Cannexus conferences. She has also taught at Humber College. Having lived across Canada, in England and in Louisville, Kentucky, and having worked for several months in India through the Canadian Immigrant Integration Program, Lisa brings a cross-cultural perspective to her work. Now an independent consultant, she provides training, research, business development advice and business strategy, selecting projects where she can help clients translate ideas into measurable action. Lisa holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from McMaster University and a Career and Work Counsellor Diploma from George Brown College. She is a Registered Rehabilitation Professional through VRA Canada and a certified Life Skills Coach. Her additional training includes mental health and psychological safety in the workplace, Mental Health First Aid, workplace diversity, equity and inclusion, human rights education and action, and career and employment information.