Kailee Smart is a communications and marketing professional with a background that spans global travel, education, and advocacy. With a passion for inclusive storytelling, she has worked in roles that emphasize intersectional justice, cultural engagement, and spiritual exploration. Currently serving as Communications and Marketing Lead at OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation, Kailee draws on her expertise in history, gender studies, and interfaith dialogue to craft messaging that fosters connection and belonging. In this interview, she shares insights into how her diverse experiences have shaped her approach to communication, marketing, and global engagement.
How has your global travel and experience as an educator shaped your approach to communication and marketing?
My experiences with global travel and education are the reason I’m in communications and marketing today. Traveling opened my eyes to the power of storytelling and cultural nuance, while teaching reinforced the importance of clarity, adaptability, and making information accessible.
When I moved to the UK, I found myself back in education as a student, which ultimately led me to OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation — where, almost serendipitously, my dream job in communications appeared. At its core, communication is about connection, whether in a classroom, across cultures, or through the messages we share with the world.
What drew you to study the religious, cultural, and gender dynamics of the Middle Ages, and how does that knowledge inform your work today?
In my undergraduate studies, I earned a bachelor’s degree in Global Studies with a minor in History and a double minor in Women and Gender Studies. Looking back, it felt like I was unknowingly weaving together the very themes that would later shape my master’s studies. I was drawn to the religious, cultural, and gender dynamics of the Middle Ages because these forces deeply influenced societies, narratives, and power structures, many of which still shape our world today. I wanted to explore how historical norms and beliefs continue to impact modern perspectives on identity, inclusion, and communication.
That understanding now plays a vital role in my work as Communications and Marketing Lead at OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation. OneSpirit’s two-year training program welcomes people of all faiths and none, offering a space to explore spirituality, sacred activism, and peacemaking in a way that feels authentic to each individual. Our training is rooted in embracing diversity, inner leadership, and fostering meaningful connection in an ever-evolving world.
When leading the communications for such a transformative program, I draw on my academic background to ensure that our messaging reflects both historical awareness and modern inclusivity. My studies gave me a deep appreciation for how belief systems and social structures shape identity and belonging, insights that are crucial when crafting communications that honor different traditions while fostering a sense of shared purpose. In many ways, my education has given me the tools to communicate across time, bridging the past with the present to inspire and connect those seeking a path of personal and spiritual growth.
How did your role as an Inclusion Programme Coordinator in Washington D.C. influence your passion for intersectional justice and advocacy?
Working as an Inclusion Programme Coordinator in Washington D.C. was pivotal in shaping my understanding of intersectional justice and advocacy. It reinforced the need for intentionality when fostering inclusivity, recognizing that identities and lived experiences overlap in complex ways. My role required me to not only advocate for diversity but to ensure that inclusivity was deeply embedded in both policy and practice. I learned that true representation goes beyond visibility; it requires meaningful engagement, accessibility, and a commitment to amplifying voices that have historically been marginalized.
That foundation directly prepared me for my current role as Communications and Marketing Lead, where I put these principles into action every day. OneSpirit’s work is about creating spaces where people of all faiths and none feel welcomed, seen, and supported on their spiritual, personal, and professional journeys. Leading communications for such a mission-driven organization requires the same intentionality I developed in my previous role, crafting messaging that fosters belonging, encourages dialogue, and reflects the rich diversity of perspectives within our community. In many ways, my work has evolved from advocacy to application; I’m not just communicating about inclusion, I’m actively shaping how it’s practiced within our organization and the wider interfaith movement.
What role do you believe inclusive communication plays in fostering innovation and connection in marketing?
Inclusive communication is fundamental to fostering innovation and connection in marketing. When diverse voices are represented, we expand the range of ideas, perspectives, and solutions available, leading to more creative and effective campaigns. Inclusion isn’t just about who is being spoken to, it’s about who is shaping the conversation. When messaging is built with intention and awareness, it resonates on a deeper level, creating a sense of belonging and engagement.
In my current role with OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation, I see every day how inclusive storytelling strengthens connection. People want to see themselves reflected in the organizations they engage with, not just as an audience but as active participants in the conversation – and rightfully so. Beyond being the right thing to do, inclusive marketing is simply smart marketing… it cultivates trust, relevance, and long-term impact, ensuring that messaging isn’t just heard but truly felt.
How has solo travel influenced your perspective on culture, storytelling, and global engagement?
Solo travel is the reason I am where I am today, in the world of communications and peaceful marketing. A few years ago, I was living alone in Italy, longing for a colder climate, and that longing led me to Edinburgh, where I found my dream role. Moving there on my own was a leap into the unknown, but it reaffirmed something I had learned through solo travel: everything happens for a reason, and what is meant for us will find us.
Whether I was solo hiking Mount Vesuvius, snorkeling in the crystal waters of Dubrovnik, or sitting alone in a bustling restaurant in China, savoring the best vegetable fried rice I’ve ever had, each experience shaped me into the person I am today – someone with deep compassion and a true passion for global engagement. Traveling alone has given me the confidence to navigate different cultural contexts with humility and curiosity, reinforcing the power of listening before speaking. Through these experiences, I’ve witnessed firsthand how stories shape identities and communities, and that understanding has become the foundation of my approach to communication. For me, storytelling isn’t just about words, it’s about connection, respect, and honoring the diverse ways we find meaning in the world.
