Who is Kamelia Fisher?
Kamelia Fisher is the Director of Development and Engagement for the Autism Society of Greater Akron. She joined ASGA in 2023. Kamelia is a graduate of Kent State University and Malone University with degrees in Business and English.
Before joining ASGA, Kamelia has served as Executive Director of several Ohio nonprofits where she managed complex initiatives, increased the organization's visibility as well as exceeded financial goals through fund development, corporate partnerships, and community engagement.
Kamelia left her leadership role in the for-profit sector to dedicate her skills to improving the lives of those in her community. Her passion is helping people become strong and independent as well as helping them to improve their quality of life. Her personal goal is to help build collaborations in our community that strengthen children and families, increase opportunities for inclusion and acceptance of marginalized populations, and use her voice to advocate for others.
Kamelia is currently serves as president of the Downtown Akron Kiwanis Club, president of the Portage Foundation board, president of the GASP board, an Akron Round Table board member, and president of Pantry on the Corner board. She resides in Akron.
TEDxAkron Q&A with Kamelia
Q: What do you love most about working/living in Akron?
I live and work in Akron and believe it is a wonderful place to call home. I am passionate about making my community a better place and value the fact that Akron has many opportunities to get involved and use your voice and your talents to improve the lives of others. I have been in this area for over 12 years and have found it to be a big, small town, very welcoming and connected.
Q: What do you think you’re most known for and what might surprise people about you that most people wouldn’t know?
Most people consider me as a positive, capable leader who is also an analytical person who can communicate and connect with a truly diverse audience. At least that is what I hope they think. What most people do not know about me is that I grew up in a rural area on a large farm with five sisters who were, technically, farm laborers. My work ethic came from that experience, and it may explain why I am often the first one in the office and the last one to leave and don’t stop until the work is done.
Q: If you didn’t do what you did now, what would you do or how would you spend your time in an alternative universe?
I would devote all my energy and expertise to volunteering for non-profits, especially non-profits who are doing excellent work but cannot afford to pay for consultants. I would also be completing that novel that is still in outline form for the 5th year in a row.
Q: What’s your favorite mantra?
“Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can” – Arthur Ashe
People often get frustrated or stuck in a situation and don’t know the next step. They concentrate on the overwhelming task at hand and can’t take action. This simple quote reminds us to stop, breathe, and break the situation down into manageable phases that allow us to move forward. Starting where you are allows us to focus on exactly that – what we are and not where we think we should be or rue the things we should have done. It is just our starting point – embrace it. Using what you have is the next step. It reminds us to appreciate the skills, individuals, opportunities, etc. that we have access to begin that movement to the change or outcome we want. And the final one is a good reminder for us ALL the time. Sometimes, we can’t completely fix a problem or solve a problem. However, we CAN influence, impact, or improve whatever it is we are applying our efforts to just by taking action or being involved.
Q: What is the one thing you’re looking forward to the most as a future TEDx speaker?
One of the most important things to me is using my voice and my influence to have influence – even if it is only one person. I hope someone says (okay I hope many people say) I am glad that I heard her, I am going to think about that.
Where to find Kamelia:
Kamelia Fisher’s 2024 TEDxAkron Talk - Coming Soon, after the event!