Volunteer with Cheli Team Member Kelly Gilliland

By JP Emerson

Please introduce yourself (tell us a little about you)?

Howdy! My name is Kelly Gilliland and I am the current chair for Volunteer with Cheli. I have lived in San Diego since 1990 when Uncle Sam brought me here to serve in the U.S. Navy, which I did for 10 years. I got out of the Navy and have been a San Diegan ever since.  I have been active in the LGBTQ community from helping with San Diego Pride for many years to leading the Golden State Gay Rodeo Association, Greater San Diego Chapter. I have volunteered with and supported other nonprofits. I am single and live in Lemon Grove with my dogs.  I love to get out and enjoy San Diego and all that we have here.   

How did you become involved with Volunteer with Cheli?

I got involved with Volunteer with Cheli 10 or 12 years ago but I have known Cheli Mohamed for a long time and have helped when she needed it. When Volunteer with Cheli started to grow I came out to support various events, such as the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon, West Coast Sevens – Gaelic Games, and other volunteer opportunities that have come to be part of the Volunteer with Cheli outreach to build relationships and bridges through volunteerism. 

What inspires you to Volunteer?

I love helping those that need help or just need to have someone there smiling and greeting people for their events. I love seeing the diversity of people that I get to help and influence. Sometimes I can teach them to improve and grow. I learn from each individual when I work with them. I have been blessed in life and want to give back when I can.