The Interview: Kelli Yeager of Bridging the Gap
From Staff Reports
This month, The Paper visited with Kelli Yeager, Executive Director of Bridging the Gap for its August Q&A.
Briefly describe yourself and what you do/did.
I’m the Executive Director for BTG Community Outreach Inc., DBA Bridging the Gap in Newnan. We serve in-need and in-crisis community members with food and resources to help them move toward resolution and restoration. I moved to Newnan five years ago with my son Jason. I love being part of this community.
Best piece of advice you’ve received.
When working through an obstacle or problem and you believe there is only one option, you are wrong. There is ALWAYS another option, another solution. Change your prospective, look at all possibilities. The best solution is rarely the first one that comes to mind.
If I had it to do over …
I’d have stayed in school for another 18 months and gotten my Masters’s Degree.
You are going on an extended solo trip. What three books would you take?
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams, Brave New World by Aldous Huxley, The Gifts of Imperfections by Brene Brown.
Tell us one thing about yourself that few people know.
I started my career coordinating large-scale special events in Atlanta, including festivals, concerts, and other events. I actually produced the very first Dropping of the Peach on New Year’s Eve in Atlanta in the 1990s.
You are hosting a dinner party for six. What five people, living or dead, would you invite and why.
Brene Brown and Ester Perel for their research, work and insights into why and how people engage with one another and the world the way that they do.; My grandfather Wade Campbell (deceased) to hear his stories about family, friends, and his life. He was a character.; Kenny Chesney because you need one great musician at every dinner party.; and, Steve Duncan for great company & some great smoked brisket.
Name an as of yet unfulfilled dream.
Drive an Indy 500 car on an open track .
If you weren’t doing what you are, you would be …
A photo journalist traveling the world.
Your go-to food.
Mu shu pork
Favorite movies(s)
There are so many favorites for so many reasons but here are a few: When Harry Met Sally, Star Wars (Episode IV in 1977) , Three Thousand Years of Longing, Rachael Getting Married, True Grit ( Apologies to The Duke, but I favor the Jeff Bridges remake)
Dogs or cats?
Both. But I have a heartfelt weakness for big, sloppy dogs!
Your favorite quote and why.
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better.” Maya Angelou. People can be so hard on themselves and each other for being human. We all do the best we can with what we know and have at the moment. I think remembering that makes us all kinder to one another.
Name something that you are extremely glad you did or accomplished.
I am so proud of my time working behind the scenes during the aftermath of the Newnan tornado with countless other individuals and groups to help our Coweta County neighbors who were impacted.
What advice would you give your younger self just starting out on their own.
Never be afraid to take a chance and blaze your own trail. Success will not be about how much money you make or meeting others’ expectations for success. It will be about learning to like yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it. You’ll have people come in and out of your life. God put each one of them in your life to teach you something about yourself—pay attention.
