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Kelly White (McHugh)
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Kelly White is a seasoned nonprofit strategist and arts administrator whose work bridges community engagement, cultural preservation and public art. Originally from New York, Kelly graduated magna cum laude from Binghamton University with a focus on art and writing and studied abroad in Ireland and England. While in London, she earned a prestigious internship with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, helping launch its SoundZone program to connect youth with orchestral music. This early experience sparked her lifelong dedication to arts access and education.
After a post-graduate semester working in Sydney, Kelly returned to New York to build her expertise in nonprofit marketing and development with organizations including Sesame Workshop, the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, and the National Guild for Community Arts Education. She graduated from NYU’s Arts Administration program, an intensive professional credential that shaped her leadership approach and strengthened her commitment to using the arts as a catalyst for social change.
A 2006 independent study of Maui’s community arts sector led Kelly to relocate in 2008 to join Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center. There, she spent five years leading marketing, grant writing, youth programs, and arts initiatives that connected creativity to social, health and ecological impact. This included the Maui Mural Project that resulted in Wailuku Town’s first large-scale mural during the County of Maui's reWailuku revitalization effort. She later served as Public Information Specialist for the Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission (KIRC), overseeing community outreach and fund development for the island’s restoration. Her contributions were recognized with a 40 Under 40 award honoring emerging leaders shaping Hawai‘i's future.
Through her consultancy, Little Rhinoceros LLC, Kelly now supports nonprofits, government agencies, and cultural organizations statewide. She combines grant writing, program planning, design, content strategy, and community engagement to strengthen missions and amplify local voices.
Her collaborative leadership has helped secure landmark investments such as the National Endowment for the Arts “Our Town” grant that launched Maui’s SMALL TOWN * BIG ART program. Today, as founder and Chair of Maui Public Art Corps, Kelly remains dedicated to projects that connect the arts, culture and community, while demonstrating how public art can support economic vitality, mental health, social connection, cultural value, and a strong sense of place. Her work continues to advance local stories, foster community pride, and help Hawai‘i communities thrive.
After a post-graduate semester working in Sydney, Kelly returned to New York to build her expertise in nonprofit marketing and development with organizations including Sesame Workshop, the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, and the National Guild for Community Arts Education. She graduated from NYU’s Arts Administration program, an intensive professional credential that shaped her leadership approach and strengthened her commitment to using the arts as a catalyst for social change.
A 2006 independent study of Maui’s community arts sector led Kelly to relocate in 2008 to join Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center. There, she spent five years leading marketing, grant writing, youth programs, and arts initiatives that connected creativity to social, health and ecological impact. This included the Maui Mural Project that resulted in Wailuku Town’s first large-scale mural during the County of Maui's reWailuku revitalization effort. She later served as Public Information Specialist for the Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission (KIRC), overseeing community outreach and fund development for the island’s restoration. Her contributions were recognized with a 40 Under 40 award honoring emerging leaders shaping Hawai‘i's future.
Through her consultancy, Little Rhinoceros LLC, Kelly now supports nonprofits, government agencies, and cultural organizations statewide. She combines grant writing, program planning, design, content strategy, and community engagement to strengthen missions and amplify local voices.
Her collaborative leadership has helped secure landmark investments such as the National Endowment for the Arts “Our Town” grant that launched Maui’s SMALL TOWN * BIG ART program. Today, as founder and Chair of Maui Public Art Corps, Kelly remains dedicated to projects that connect the arts, culture and community, while demonstrating how public art can support economic vitality, mental health, social connection, cultural value, and a strong sense of place. Her work continues to advance local stories, foster community pride, and help Hawai‘i communities thrive.