Kelli Shaughnessy is an entrepreneur and philanthropist. She is a woman on a mission to make a difference in this world. Kelli participated as a sponsor, and an adventurous beginner kiteboarder at last year’s Dream Extreme. Her support and contagious enthusiasm helped raise more than $100,000 for STEPS to End Family Violence.

Kelli started her career at a young age when she moved to New York City to follow her passion in dance and theater. She performed in various theatrical productions, locally and internationally. Since then, Kelli has lived in Japan and Morocco and in 1997 she settled in California where she co-founded The Blue Sphere Alliance; a non-equity theater company that is still thriving today. In 2003, Kelli retired her dance slippers to return to New York where she would pursue an opportunity with Goldman Sachs as a Fund Administrator. After serving Goldman for many years she moved to Communications at Bank of America.

With a vast understanding of the importance of giving back to the community, Kelli recently left Bank of America to follow her vision in the non-for-profit sector. She is currently studying at New York University for a degree in philanthropy. Kelli is active in supporting Career Transition for Dancers, Children’s Rights Organization, Robin Hood Foundation, In God’s Love We Deliver, and STEPS to End Family Violence.

"Having grown up in a challenging environment, I feel a special kinship and have found a kindred spirit with Dream Extreme. I am honored to co-chair alongside the Founder Linda Argila, as her dedication and passion keeps her forging ahead, never tiring of the crusade to end domestic violence. As Co-Chair, I am looking forward to riding the wave and taking flight with Linda, and many other dynamic women"