Kelly Rubey

Kelly Rubey is the Edward J Huether Associate Teaching Professor of International Business in the Management & Organization Department. As an educator, consultant, and impact strategist, Kelly's work bridges classrooms and communities to address some of the most pressing challenges facing underserved regions.

Kelly teaches courses in community-engaged learning across global, domestic, and local contexts—including Business on the Frontlines, Frontlines in America, Frontlines Practicum, and Applied Impact Consulting. Through these experiential courses, students serve as impact consultants for nonprofits, NGOs, and social enterprises tackling issues that promote economic empowerment and access to the dignity of work. She also teaches leadership and strategy courses for undergraduates and nonprofit executives, helping young and seasoned leaders cultivate the character and capabilities needed to guide mission-driven organizations.

A faculty affiliate of the Building Inclusive Growth Lab, the Institute for Race and Resilience, and the Eck Institute for Global Health, Kelly brings a cross-disciplinary approach to addressing societal grand challenges. In her teaching, research and consulting practice, she partners with nonprofits, NGOs, and purpose-driven businesses to co-create solutions that are community-led, financially sustainable, and systems-informed. Kelly's approach blends strategic rigor with deep listening to build trust-based strategies that unlock long-term impact.

Before joining Notre Dame, Kelly held several roles in the private sector. Most recently, she was a Client Executive at IBM, leading global teams supporting multinational clients. This experience informs her approach to harnessing the tools of business as a force for good and equipping the next generation of leaders to drive meaningful change.