Kelly began her career as a Process and Environmental Engineer for Stratcor/U.S. Vanadium Corporation in Hot Springs, AR. In that role, she was active in design, pilot testing, and troubleshooting for a project to reduce ammonia levels in plant effluent and providing plant environmental support. Kelly was later promoted to Environmental Manager and also provided support to the site in Niagara Falls, NY.  In 2004, she joined International Paper (later Evergreen Packaging) in Pine Bluff as the Environmental Group Leader with primary responsibility for air and solid waste compliance. Since 2015, Kelly has been the Senior Environmental Manager for Clearwater Paper Corporation in Arkansas City, AR and is responsible for compliance with all state/federal environmental regulations and permits. She is a Registered Environmental Manager.

Kelly has held leadership roles in several professional and community service organizations such as the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, Arkansas Environmental Federation Board of Directors, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated (Diamond Life Member), The Links, Incorporated, National Society of Black Engineers, Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce, the University of Arkansas Alumni Association (Life Member), and the University of Arkansas Black Alumni Society (BAS) Board.

Arkansas Academy of Chemical Engineers, 2023.