Honoree Kelly Galanis with her award. (Photo submitted)
WESTFIELD – Westfield State University’s Associate Director of Alumni Services Kelly Galanis was honored by Western Mass Women Magazine as a 2012-2013 recipient of a Top 25 “Women to Watch” award.
For the third consecutive year, Western Massachusetts Women’s Magazine recognized professional women who rock in their Top 25 “Women to Watch” in Western Mass 2012-2013 issue. The magazine hopes to celebrate and support all of the women in Western Mass that are striving to excel professionally. The awards are based on nominations and votes. Galanis was one of the highest vote-getters of the group according to Dee Emery-Ferrero, CEO of Western Mass Women Magazine.
Recipients are chosen in different professional fields including advertising, event planning, and law. Galanis received the Top Woman in Education award.
Galanis is the first person to earn three consecutive degrees from Bay Path College- an A.S. and B.S. in Legal Studies and an M.S. in Communications and Information Management. She began working at Westfield State in 2005 as the Development Systems and Information Manager for Advancement. In 2008, Galanis was one of five individuals selected to serve a two-year term as a Presidential Fellow working first in Academic Affairs then in Alumni Relations where she currently serves.
In addition to her work at Westfield State, Galanis has a side business as a social media consultant, trainer, and motivational speaker. Calling herself “The Red-Headed Diva”, Galanis works with individuals, groups, and organizations to develop a positive, confident social image by educating them on the proper way to use social media. With organizations, Galanis helps integrate social media into their curriculum, mission, and strategic plans. She conducts lectures on topics such as “Social Media in Higher Education: An Education Essential” and “Breadcrumbs: Protecting Your Online Social Identity.”
Galanis was flattered to receive the award.
“Western Mass Women Magazine is a great resource to women,” Galanis said. “This year’s group of individuals have broken barriers and made important contributions and a significant impact in Western Massachusetts. It is an honor to be included among them.”
According to her supervisor, the award validates her hard work at the university.
“This well-deserved award is an exciting recognition for both Kelly and our campus,” said Kathi Bradford, Director of Alumni Relations.
Galanis accepted the award at a ceremony held at Chez Josef in Agawam.
When asked what advice she would give to a young woman pursuing a career in education or social media, Galanis stressed the importance of confidence.
“Be confident in all that you do,” Galanis said. “Talk to people, tell them your goals, and promote yourself in a positive way. Seek knowledge from those you look up to. Confidence is about losing the fear of showing the world who you are.”
