Kelly Meek — daughter, sister, wife, and mother – an entrepreneur known for being a generous, selfless, creative, and passionate supporter of women in business.
On this day, International Women’s Day 2022, Northwood University is announcing the Kelly Ann Meek Scholarship for women leaders and entrepreneurs at Northwood University.
Northwood University President Kent MacDonald and First Lady Mary-Ellen MacPhee have donated $100,000 to Northwood University to create the scholarship in honor of Kelly’s outstanding contribution to business and her belief that women business leaders can make a community more socially and economically prosperous.
Kelly is the youngest sister of President MacDonald. She and her husband, Paul, opened a family-owned craft brewing company nearly 15 years ago in Canada’s capital of Ottawa, Ontario. The brewing company, called Kichesippi Beer Company, is a staple in the National Capital area and one of the most well-known companies in the region. Since Kichesippi’s early days, Kelly and Paul believed their business was meant to make a profit and to positively impact the community.
When Kichesippi Beer Company first opened, the company quickly developed a reputation for having the best beer in the region. With this product’s success, Kelly and Paul also believed their business had the responsibility to help make people happier and the community more vibrant. Since its inception, Kichesippi Beer Company has supported various community charities, including juvenile diabetes, a disease impacting their son, Alexander, since an early age. Over the years, the couple has gone on to support a wide variety of non-profit organizations.
Kelly is a Scottish name that means Warrior. Two years ago, on International Women’s Day, Kichesippi launched a craft beer called Warrior Woman to honor Kelly. Northwood University First Lady Mary-Ellen MacPhee said the name Warrior Woman was a perfect way to describe Kelly because “she was a warrior, always willing to take on any challenge that stood in her way!”
Northwood University is home to thousands of entrepreneurs and leaders. First Lady Mary-Ellen MacPhee shared, “Kelly epitomized a timeless set of values known at Northwood University as The Northwood Idea, and she served as a role model for all women entrepreneurs.”
“Kelly was passionate about private business, and she believed it was important to give back whenever she could,” said President MacDonald. “My sister would be proud to know this scholarship at Northwood University will help the next generation of women business leaders.”
Kelly Meek passed away on April 8, 2019. She was an inspiration to all women who dare to dream.
