Profiles of Tenacity: Kelsie Pearson

Kelsie Pearson is a senior Journalism major with a certificate in Entrepreneurship from McDonough, GA. She is deeply involved with campus life serving as
the President of Society of Entrepreneurs, represented UGA at the SEC Pitch Competition, took second in the UGA Venture Prize Pitch Competition and is the Founder and CEO of Sisterhood of the Traveling 20s.

Read more about her below.

Why did you choose your major?

I originally chose Journalism because of my love for books and the publishing industry as well as wanting to explore travel writing. After shadowing many working professionals, I ultimately decided to combine my passions and skills to become a Travel Advisor. Even though I’m not fully sticking with my original intent for Grady, I am still learning valuable skills such as how to communicate with different types of people and how to convey messages through photos and digital design.

What does tenacity mean to you?

Tenacity, to me, means defining what kind of life you want and making it happen. Even when the path changes and the steps to get there aren’t clear, you don’t sit back and just hope it’ll work out; you take action to make it a reality.

What is one piece of advice that you would give to other Grady students?

Grady offers great opportunities that you should take advantage of! But don’t feel like all your involvements have to be confined to just Grady. UGA has 18 colleges worth of clubs, certificates, and minors! Go meet different kinds of people and learn additional skills that will ultimately make you a more well-rounded individual.

What motivates you?

I am an incredibly Type A person so anyone who knows me knows I love having a plan. I’ve crafted a vision for what I want my life to look like and I am motivated by that vision to accomplish my goals each day. I like to recommend to young people to break your life down into what you want it to look like daily, and yearly, then align your actions and motivations to achievethat.

What or who has had the biggest impact on your life during your time at UGA?

Society of Entrepreneurs was the first club I joined when I first transferred in for the Fall. The challenges I’ve participated in and speakers I’ve listened to have created a woman who is confident in herself and her abilities. The staff there raise the bar for greatness and truly invest in you as an individual. It’s one big family of people who want to do big things.

What has been your biggest accomplishment in the past year?

In December 2023, I launched my very own group travel company for women in their 20s called
Sisterhood of the Traveling 20s. I have since given 30 women, representing 12 States, the chance
Profiles of Tenacity 2024 to see the world through our guided trips. Traveling has shaped me more as an individual than any other life experience, and being able to help 17 of those women travel outside the US for the very first time has made everything worth it. I’m excited to try to take this company full-time once I graduate!

Where’s your favorite place on campus and why?

Studio 225 on Broad Street is the Entrepreneurship building and it’s awesome! The design elements are really cool and it’s super relaxed. It offers soundproof cubicles, comfy chairs, presentation screens, a coffee bar and so much more. I have my own office on the bottom floor and it’s definitely my sanctuary on campus.

What advice would you give to your freshman self?

The definition of success is not how well you can meet the standards that the world has set for you. Define the parts of life that matter most to you and strive to make those a daily reality. You will then have fulfilled the only definition of success that truly matters.

Editor: Shannon Lorusso, sel67411@uga.edu