Kelly Barnes: “The combination of meaningful community connections and knowing I was somewhere that aligned with my values made the choice of London clear to me.”
For Kelly Barnes, the fundamental human need to belong is interwoven throughout every facet of her life. She lives this principle daily—within her close-knit family of three, her professional circles, the broader community, and even in the tranquil, verdant forests that define London, Ontario. It was the pursuit of understanding and nurturing this sense of belonging that first drew her to London in 2011.
Originally from Northwest Indiana, Kelly arrived in London to begin her doctoral studies in Settlement and Immigration at Western University. “What struck me most was how genuinely welcoming people were,” she recalls. “I remember feeling like I had truly found my place when I saw how Canada approaches caring for people. There is this refreshing safety net here—a sense that society looks out for one another.”
Originally from Northwest Indiana, Kelly arrived in London to begin her doctoral studies in Settlement and Immigration at Western University. “What struck me most was how genuinely welcoming people were,” she recalls. “I remember feeling like I had truly found my place when I saw how Canada approaches caring for people. There is this refreshing safety net here—a sense that society looks out for one another.”
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Since settling in London, Kelly has devoted herself—through her research, academic work, and active participation in committees and social organizations—to illuminating the importance of belonging. One of her early accomplishments was helping to establish I am London, this very campaign that celebrates how immigrants find their place in the city. “A lot of what we talk about is belonging and how immigrants can feel like they belong. The other side is showing the broader city of London that immigrants are not just here—they are our neighbours, teachers, doctors. They are woven into the very fabric of our society,” Kelly explains.
Fourteen years since its inception, the “I Am London” campaign continues to thrive, a testament to Kelly’s dedication and vision. She remains enthusiastic about sharing the message that immigrants belong—not only for potential newcomers but for the wider London community to recognize and celebrate. For much of the campaign’s history, Kelly has chaired the working group, helping to highlight the remarkable contributions immigrants make to the city. Kelly’s impact reaches far beyond a single initiative. As Research Coordinator for the Health & Homelessness Whole of Community System Response, she has worked to understand and address some of London’s most pressing challenges. Teaching at Western, King’s, and Huron colleges, she strives to inspire the next generation of engaged citizens. Her deep involvement in the community motivated her to pursue Canadian citizenship—a commitment to shaping the future of the place where her son will grow up and where those she loves have chosen to build their lives. |
Highly respected and sought after in her field, Kelly approaches every opportunity with gratitude and humility. “It’s a cheesy phrase, but you have to bloom where you’re planted,” she says. “Wherever I am, and whatever my circumstances, I try to make it the best possible experience.”
For newcomers to London, Kelly encourages active participation in local communities. “It is unfair that immigrants, who are already struggling to survive, are often expected to do volunteer, unpaid work to gain experience. But if there are ways to get involved, I think that building those relationships is key. You will find people you can rely on and start to feel that sense of belonging—to feel that this is your home and these are your neighbours. It is easy to arrive from elsewhere and feel like an outsider.”
To Kelly, what sets London apart is its intentionality. The city is actively forging an identity worth being proud of, inspiring residents to contribute to its evolving story. “What captivated me about London is the sense that everyone is building something together, rather than just living in a place with a predetermined identity,” she concludes.
For newcomers to London, Kelly encourages active participation in local communities. “It is unfair that immigrants, who are already struggling to survive, are often expected to do volunteer, unpaid work to gain experience. But if there are ways to get involved, I think that building those relationships is key. You will find people you can rely on and start to feel that sense of belonging—to feel that this is your home and these are your neighbours. It is easy to arrive from elsewhere and feel like an outsider.”
To Kelly, what sets London apart is its intentionality. The city is actively forging an identity worth being proud of, inspiring residents to contribute to its evolving story. “What captivated me about London is the sense that everyone is building something together, rather than just living in a place with a predetermined identity,” she concludes.
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