40 under 40 profile: Kristina Stafford Kelly

Congratulations to Kristina Stafford Kelly (ABJ ’08), on being named a 40 under 40 honoree by the UGA Alumni Association.

Kelly is the VP of communications at UP Entertainment, which broadcasts positive, uplifting entertainment and is home to TV networks like UPtv, AspireTV, UP Faith & Family and Cine Romántico. Kelly started her career as a publicity intern for Lifetime Television when she was in college, and worked as a publicist for Turner Broadcasting after graduation. She has worked for AspireTV and UPtv in a variety of roles since 2015. She manages press campaigns that generate over 8 billion impressions annually for entertainment and journalism outlets and other constituents including press, affiliates, ad sales clients and consumers. Kristina was honored with the Women in Cable Telecommunications Southeast Rising Star Award for Emerging Leaders in 2020 which celebrates influential leaders within their organizations and the larger telecommunications industry.

“I’ve wanted to work in PR since I was in middle school,” Kelly said of her dream job.

She graduated from UGA with a degree in public relations, and she has been a mentor with the UGA Mentor Program since the program launched in 2019.

See the below Q&A with Kelly:

Looking back at your time at Grady, is there anything you wish you had done that would help you with what you are doing today?

If the UGA Mentor Program was around, I would have absolutely signed up! Having a connection with a mentor is invaluable especially when starting your career. I highly recommend everyone looking through the database to see if there’s a potential match. 

What experience during your time at Grady College had the biggest influence on where you are today?

The internship program allowed me to experience an incredible summer interning in the PR department at Lifetime Television in Los Angeles. I was able to see entertainment PR up close and personal, gain valuable experience in the field and meet lifelong friends, all because of the support of Grady and my professors. 

What would you tell your 20-year-old self?

Your first job doesn’t have to be your forever job. 

How do you get inspired?

I surround myself with incredible women. I have multiple female mentors with diverse interests and backgrounds. They amaze me daily. 

What does success mean to you?

Success to me is being happy and fulfilled in all areas of my life. Professional success is hard to celebrate when it comes as a cost to personal life and vice versa. They work hand-in-hand.

Are you currently working in your “dream job”? If not, what is your dream role?

Yes!! I’ve wanted to work in PR since I was in middle school. While entertainment is not always glamorous, I’ve always been enamored with Hollywood and love that I get to work behind-the-scenes in the industry. Plus, I love where I work (UP Entertainment) and my fantastic colleagues. 

What’s a fun moment you’ve had in your career so far?

I was able to take my husband to the Emmys as a voting member of the Television Academy.

Rapid Fire Round

Favorite Podcast: “Back to the Beach” with Kristin and Stephen

One job-related tool you can’t live without: Cision – it’s a database of reporters that is constantly updated 

Favorite restaurant in Athens: In college it was Mexicali and Doc Cheys, but a restaurant that is still open would be Last Resort – I love their red velvet cake! 

Favorite place you’ve traveled: Siena, Italy. My husband and I loved the city so much that when it was time to pick a name for our daughter, we chose Siena! 

Item on your bucket list: Vacation to the Amalfi Coast

Editor: Sarah Freeman, freemans@uga.edu

September 6 • 10 a.m. • Peyton Anderson Forum

40 under 40 panel: Message to my younger self

Join us for a panel conversation with our Grady College 40 under 40 honorees as we discuss what they wish they had known as students about life after college. See our Events listing for more details.