Kelsey Draper

Kelsey Draper is an experienced professional with a strong background in legal and administrative support, research, and education. Currently serving as the Manager of Legal & Administrative Support in the Family Defense Practice at Brooklyn Defenders since 2017, Kelsey also works as an Advocacy Specialist, addressing child abuse reports in New York City. Kelsey has previously held roles at the University of Cape Town, including Graduate Student Researcher and Program Manager, focusing on fisheries management and community wellbeing. Additional experiences include research consultancy for the Benguela Current Commission, community engagement research for Natural Justice, and various educational positions, showcasing a diverse skill set in both academic and applied contexts. Kelsey holds a PhD and MA in Social Anthropology and a BA (Hons) in Anthropology and Women and Gender Studies from the University of Cape Town and the University of Colorado Boulder.