Kelly Raffaele Schempp learned from a young age that she had to work for her opportunities and she couldn’t squander them.
She worked two jobs from the time she was 14 years old and was awarded 13 academic scholarships to Immaculata University, where she was a member of Sigma Beta Delta, an elite business honor society; Delta Epsilon Sigma, the national scholastic honor society; and the Immaculata University honor society.
Her academic success resembles what would become her professional success. Today, she applies that same dedication to her role as vice president of marketing and chief brand officer for the Mann Center for the Performing Arts.
“Growing up in a family with modest means, I had to make the most of every possible prospect, without the benefit of a safety net,” she said. “Nothing motivates me more than to turn around, reach my hand back, and help guide someone else up the symbolic mountain. I strive to provide opportunities to cultivate new talent by sharing my experience to help them reach their full potential.
“My passion for continuing to learn and evolve from my colleagues, team and cultural community is what inspires me. I will never accept today’s success as tomorrow’s victory.”
The Mann Center for the Performing Arts is one of the foremost outdoor music centers in the country, with a legacy of artistic excellence. Each summer, renowned orchestras and the latest touring artists in indie, rock, hip-hop, R&B and pop take the stage. The Mann is the summer home of The Philadelphia Orchestra and has presented acclaimed performers every decade since the 1930s.
The Mann is situated in historic Fairmount Park, with views of Philadelphia’s skyline, and serves as one of the nation’s premier nonprofit and intercultural outdoor performing arts organizations.
Schempp began at the Mann in 2015 as the marketing manager. Over the last seven years, she has grown the Mann’s marketing department, developed a comprehensive brand style guide, achieved revenue goals, launched new institutional initiatives and cultivated collaborations.
Before joining the Mann in 2015, Schempp spent the previous eight years working for the Walt Disney Company’s Radio Disney branch, where she developed award-winning marketing, advertising and publicity to enhance awareness and revenue. Prior to Disney, Schempp was the director of youth programs at the Morey Organization, where she directed, planned, organized, implemented and grew largescale youth programs.
Schempp holds several certificates from the Harvard ManageMentor leadership program.
“Surround yourself with great people,” she said. “I learned early on that one person paddling a bitter boat can sink the entire team’s ship. It’s critical to ensure you have the right people around you and understand what motivates each of them professionally.”