Kristin Babbie Kelterborn

About Kristin Babbie Kelterborn

Utilizing my expertise in project and grants management alongside my background in entrepreneurship, I am committed to driving economic development. In my role as Manager of the Grants Management team and work on the Entrepreneurship Development team at the William Davidson Institute (WDI) at the University of Michigan, I focus on supporting entrepreneurs and organizations in low- and middle-income countries. Since 2015, I have effectively managed a diverse portfolio of funded projects, spearheaded initiatives to identify new business prospects, and fostered strategic partnerships. Moreover, I am involved in designing and executing projects that empower entrepreneurs to launch, scale, and thrive in their ventures.Before joining WDI, I served as a research analyst at an accelerator, where I conducted comprehensive market research and provided guidance to early-stage entrepreneurs in the agrifood sector to help them seize growth opportunities. My academic journey includes earning a dual-title Master\'s degree in rural sociology, with a focus on sustainability within the food and agriculture sector, as well as international development from Penn State University. As a graduate research assistant, I actively contributed to a range of social science projects, both domestic and international in scope. Additionally, I gained valuable insights during my undergraduate internship with Thailand’s Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives in Bangkok, where I delved into agricultural policy and practices.I am dedicated to continuous learning and have pursued professional certificates from Babson College in entrepreneurship education and Strategyzer’s Business Model Canvas Masterclass. My professional interests revolve around small and medium enterprise development, fostering entrepreneurial and innovative thinking, exploring the intersection of the private sector and social impact, and delving into the realms of food and agriculture. I am passionate about leveraging my skills and experiences to make meaningful contributions to economic empowerment and sustainable development initiatives.

Experience

1. Manager, Grants & Entrepreneurship Development

   William Davidson Institute

   Jul 2022 — Present

Education

• James Madison College at Michigan State University

  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Social Relations & Policy (James Madison College)

• Penn State University

  Master of Science (M.S.) dual-degree, Rural Sociology / International Agriculture & Development

• Asian Institute of Technology

  School of Environment, Resources, and Development

  2010