Meet Kelli Price | Miss Black Ohio 2025 & Non-Profit Youth Advocate/Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kelli Price and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelli, what do you want people to remember about you?
I want my legacy to be one of love, truth, and growth. I hope people remember that I always tried to lead with love and honesty, even when I was still figuring out who I was. At 25, I know I’m still learning and growing, and a big part of my journey has been discovering what truly makes me valuable—not just in the titles I hold or the goals I achieve, but in the way I show up for others.

My legacy will also be left in the love of every student I’ve had the privilege of teaching. Watching a student step into their confidence—whether it’s through a poem they’ve written, a performance they’ve given, or simply seeing them recognize their own worth—has been the most rewarding part of my journey. Through performance art therapy and mentorship, I’ve seen firsthand how self-expression and the performance arts can heal and empower. If my students remember me as someone who gave them the tools to embrace their truth and move forward with confidence, I’ll feel I’ve done my part.

Ultimately, I want my legacy to reflect not only what I’ve accomplished but the hearts I’ve touched along the way. To me, that’s what truly matters.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I believe what sets me apart is my ability to combine creativity with impact. My unique background blends performance art therapy, nonprofit leadership, and marketing, allowing me to approach challenges holistically and think outside the box. My path into these fields was heavily influenced by my childhood, where I often felt a lack of representation and places to heal.

My journey hasn’t been easy, but each challenge has shaped me into the professional I am today. Growing up in East Cleveland, I lived in a house that was falling apart, with a family that tried their best but also carried their own unhealed wounds. I had to grow up quickly, leaving little room to understand my emotions because I was focused on survival. These experiences taught me resilience and the importance of staying true to my mission. I took all the pain that I couldn’t express at home and put it into being a great performer. Over the course of my life I put my pain into singing, acting, dancing, writing and even playing instruments. It allowed me to hone my skills with discipline while also embracing the freedom within me. The arts are therapy and help people find alternative ways of tapping into what is inside of us all, feelings.

I am especially proud of my work using Slam Poetry to teach students how to find their voices. For example, I worked with Writers in Residence at a juvenile detention center, curating lessons that helped students keep their emotional light on and reminded them of their greatness and gratitude during one of the darkest times in their lives. In the Hough neighborhood, I partnered with Advantage Cleveland Tennis and Education to teach poetry and witnessed students experience love and encouragement in a way they hadn’t felt in a long time. Seeing the real, tangible outcomes of my work motivates me to keep pushing forward.

In 2024, I did much of my work with Sisterhood—both the after-school program and Summer of Sisterhood—has been incredibly rewarding but also challenging in many ways. Leading these initiatives has pushed me to think creatively about how to meet the evolving needs of the girls we serve. I’ve had the opportunity to design and implement programs that empower young women through art, literacy, self-esteem workshops, and community-building activities. However, balancing the logistical challenges of scheduling, funding, onboarding students and staffing while ensuring every girl receives the support she needs has been a constant challenge. Yet, through these challenges, I’ve grown not only as a leader but also as a mentor, learning how to adapt, innovate, and be more resourceful in the face of adversity. Witnessing the growth of the girls and seeing their confidence develop has made every challenge worth it, and I’m proud of the impact we’ve had this year. I loved Sisterhood and there was no bigger honor than to be a TRUE sisterhood sister while I had the chance to be.

The core of my story is this: I strive to be someone who leads with love, nurtures communities, and creates spaces for others to thrive. Through every role I take on—whether as a teacher, a marketing professional, performance artist or Miss Black Ohio 2025—I aim to leave behind a legacy of empowerment and transformation.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Cleveland’s vibrant and diverse scenes offer something for everyone, making it an inclusive destination with a rich tapestry of experiences.

For an exciting night out, the East Bank of the Flats is a must-visit, featuring a lively waterfront area with numerous bars and restaurants. Good Night John Boy and Anejo Tequila Joint are a couple of my favorites.

In Lakewood, spots like Corky’s Karaoke provide energetic atmospheres perfect for weekend nights.

Euphoria Lanes and Lounge is a great place to have brunch on Sunday afternoon!

Art enthusiasts will appreciate Human Heart Studios, known for its engaging events, and Deep Roots Gallery, which showcases local talent.

The Brownhoist offers a diverse array of local art and interactive programming, while DOC Studios is ideal for those interested in Monday night acting classes and community gatherings.

When it comes to dining, Cleveland boasts a variety of culinary delights.

Cilantro Taqueria serves authentic Mexican street tacos with fresh ingredients and homemade salsas.

Stuph’s Restaurant offers comfort food classics with a modern twist, and Comfort CLE specializes in hearty, homestyle dishes that warm the soul.

Fawaky Burst provides fresh, health-conscious options, including smoothies and salads, while Indian Flame offers a rich selection of traditional Indian cuisine.

For a unique fusion experience, the Blasian Fusion food truck combines Asian and American flavors, delivering a delightful culinary adventure. They are my favorite food truck in town!

As a poet, I highly recommend attending events hosted by People Love Poetry.Their open mics, poetry readings, and trap karaoke nights at Afrika Lounge in Mayfield create a vibrant space for artistic expression and community engagement.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
At just 13 years old, I joined AdCle as a student and later grew into the role of Lead Poetry Instructor, teaching Slam Poetry to students on Cleveland’s Hough neighborhood. Through AdCle, I discovered my love for nonprofit administration and the transformative power of teaching. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with countless students, helping them use their words to express themselves and tell their stories authentically.

AdCle not only helped me grow into a nurturer but also gave me a platform to give back to students who grew up in neighborhoods just like mine. I’m forever grateful for the lessons, opportunities, and support this organization has provided me on my journey.

I also want to give a shoutout to my mother, who has loved me unconditionally in every situation. Even in our darkest times my mother was dedicated to making sure that I knew that she loved me. There have been days when she couldn’t verbally tell me but I knew that there was nothing in this world she wouldn’t do to protect and nurture me. My mother is my best friend and I wouldn’t be the Kelli Price that I am today without her unwavering love and support. So thank you so much to my favorite girl, my Nani!

Website: https://missblackcleveland.my.canva.site/

Instagram: @Kellaiko & @Missblackohiousa

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelli-price-190bab182/

Image Credits
Sane Photography
Advantage Cleveland Tennis and Education
Sierra Ya’tis Productions