We are so appreciative of everything that Kelsey Marotta has accomplished in the past five years, and we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate this momentous occasion.

When we asked Kelsey’s colleagues to describe her, here’s what they had to say. Kelsey is a born leader, an incredible designer, very humble and easygoing, extremely reliable, and a naturally helpful team player.

To commemorate Kelsey and all of her greatness, we interviewed her to create a personalized infographic highlighting what makes her so special! Keep scrolling to learn more.

1. Best part of working at Eleven Peppers Studios?
Truly some of the best human beings to work with.

2. If you were a pepper, what type would you be and why?
Habanero—I’m small, but don’t underestimate me, I pack a punch.

3. What is your favorite 11p event?
The safari breakfast at Disney World.

4. What is your favorite present ever received from 11p?
The opportunity to design the 2016 holiday gift with donations to Meals on Wheels.

5. What is your favorite 11p memory?
Casino holiday party—bet it all, lost everything and had a blast.

6. Name a Pepper you can always lean on for support or advice:
Audra Harvey and Rebecca Popka have been amazing co-collaborators.

7. Name a Pepper whose work ethic inspires you:
Ashley Mueller kicks some serious a$$.

8. My spice meter :

1. What is your all-time favorite flavor of ice cream?
Peanut Butter Oreo from Bmore Licks.

2.What was your favorite road trip you’ve ever taken?
This past summer my boyfriend and I drove to Cape May, NJ, and stayed at Congress Hall. It was the only opportunity we’d had to travel during the pandemic and it was so much fun to explore the town, eat great beach food and even squeeze in a few early AM runs.

3. What race are you most proud of?
My first race, the Baltimore Women’s Classic 5K, in 2015. It was when I first knew I had found something that was going to take me on a new and very rewarding path.

4. What would you love most about living in a tiny home?
The lack of stuff. I find freedom in minimalism and I value both being able to see and use all of the items that I own.

5. What made you try triathlons in addition to marathons?
I was always fascinated by Ironman triathlons but kept saying I’d consider it “eventually.” After volunteering for a few of their events and having a small part in making other athlete’s dreams come true, I knew I wanted to make it happen for myself.

6. What part of the triathlon do you have to train for the most?
It’s a lot of hours in the pool, on the bike, and running, but by far the mental game is the most important aspect of training. Learning to tackle something big by chipping away at it one piece at a time is a mindset that I continue to practice and reinforce.

7. What is your favorite song that gets you pumped up during a marathon?
AC/DC’s Hells Bells was playing when I jumped in the water for Ironman—when I hear that song I’m immediately transported to the feeling of being stuffed in a wetsuit, nervous and excited for the day to unfold.

8. What do you love most about being a professor at UMD?
Watching it “click” for my students. Critiques can be painstaking, but when a student takes feedback, pushes themselves beyond what they think they’re capable of, and presents a stronger design, it’s a huge pay-off.

9. What is your favorite part about visiting Disney?
The Disney “magic.” I know, I know, it’s not a real thing, but they are so far ahead in their technology, marketing and branding, and creativity, it blows my designer mind. They don’t call it “Imagineering” for nothing!

10. Any secret hobbies or talents?
I’m very involved in music. I grew up playing the flute and singing. Two years ago I took up piano and currently take lessons, along with a wedding singer side hustle.