Karla Kelman

Artist, Blogger, Christian, Concerned citizen, Connector, Designer, Educator/Teacher, Entrepreneur, Marketer, Parent, Potential employer, Project manager, Promoter, Writer/Editor

Originally from the spice island of Grenada in the Caribbean, Karla Kelman is the Director of Marketing at Southlands School International (a Preschool to 12th Grade College Preparatory School in Rowland Heights, CA); as well as a Graphic Designer and Studio Artist. She belongs to several professional organizations including the world renown Toastmasters serving as Vice President of Membership for the CalTech Chapter, and the Pomona Valley Artists Association, Pomona, CA. Surviving the 1983 war in Grenada, her family migrated to Brooklyn, New York when she was only 12 years old. She later relocated to Oklahoma, in pursuit of her Fine Art degree from Oklahoma State University. In addition to her Bachelor’s in Graphic Design, she also holds a Bachelor's in Biblical Studies, Associates in Liberal Art, and Education Credentials in both California and Oklahoma.  A wife of nineteen years and mother of two, she taught College Board Advanced Placement Studio Art and Art History at the high school level for ten years, achieving the challenging 100% AP Passed rate multiple years in a row. In addition to high test scores, her students also exhibited their award-winning artworks at regional shows and national competitions. Her passion for the arts and her knack for providing opportunities for fellow artisans, both professionals and students, have made her an inspirational persona. She is currently the founder and organizer of La FEMME Artiste Exhibition / Naked Canvas Art, an all-female event geared towards celebrating women artists, and to encourage young girls to pursuit careers in creative fields. As the Director of Marketing she is committed to promoting the value that an education at Southlands Schools International offers both local and international students. With 100% College Acceptances; 73% into the Top 100 Colleges in the United States, 83% Acceptances into UC schools, and up to 5.7 million dollars in Scholarships, Southlands is an emerging innovator of 21st Century education. Holding true to their vision of “Developing Tomorrow’s Leaders Today!”, Southlands has graduated countless students who are successfully pursuing their post-secondary studies and entering the workforce as leaders among their peers. Offering over 20 AP & Honors courses; Pathway tracks specializing in Global Communications, Fine Arts, Engineering and more; and Dual Credit programs where students receive college credits while in high school, Southlands is challenging the way society thinks about education, and is preparing its students for innovative, entrepreneurial careers that will mold the future. When it comes to Southlands Schools International, it is not just education as usual but it’s education done in excellence and with integrity.

I am passionate about anything I believe in. Beginning with my faith, family and the arts.

The Art of Everything

I am from an immigrant family who migrated to the United States in the 1980s. My mother, a single mom with five children, came to America in search of a better life. We survived the 1983 war in my country and were looking for a place to transplant to. After several near misses living in New York City, we moved to Killeen, Texas. Life took me from Killen into a ten-year stint in a cult in Oklahoma. It was there, as an art student, I was told to quit my pursuit because I lacked talent. After ten year of quitting, my husband re-introduce me to my love for the creative field. Since then I've gone on to achieve 100% passed rate in AP Studio work, produce my own art line and founded an all-female art exhibition movement, La Femme Artiste.

I have a pretty open personality. I don't believe in being secretive so there is not much that people do not know that I am good at. I live to serve others in any way that's needed.