Kelsey Snyder

Kelsey Snyder is the Executive Director of Lead, a Michigan-based nonprofit that equips youth and families with the everyday skills needed to build confidence, strengthen communication, support wellbeing, and plan for the future. Kelsey brings a unique blend of nonprofit leadership and private-sector experience to her role. Before transitioning to the nonprofit sector, she spent more than a decade in the technology industry leading large global teams and specializing in the launch and scale of complex projects and initiatives. 

Kelsey’s eight years with the Junior League of the Great Lakes Bay Region, MI played a pivotal role in shaping her leadership path. Through her involvement with the League, she saw firsthand how developing confidence and leadership skills in others can transform both individuals and organizations. As a mentor to new members and a supporter of committee chairs, Kelsey has helped women strengthen their leadership abilities, prioritize initiatives for meaningful impact, and delegate effectively to create opportunities for others to grow. 

Within the Junior League, Kelsey has served in several significant leadership roles. She chaired the Fund Development Committee for five years, helping guide fundraising strategy and support the League’s mission-driven work in the community. She also served for two years as Executive Vice President, helping oversee operations, support board leadership, and ensure the organization remained focused on sustainable impact and strong member engagement. 

That same commitment to empowerment drives Kelsey’s work at Lead. Under her leadership, the organization has expanded its programs and outreach, providing thousands of students, including foster youth and students in alternative education programs, with tools to build confidence and pursue brighter futures. By focusing on practical life skills and personal development, Kelsey and her team help young people believe in their potential and chart paths that extend beyond their circumstances. 

Whether leading a nonprofit organization, mentoring women in the Junior League, or collaborating with community partners, Kelsey remains grounded in one core belief: when people are empowered to lead with confidence, entire communities thrive.