Kelly Benini graduated from Syracuse University's prestigious Bandier Program in 2014. During her tenure, she served as the concert director for the student programming board, University Union, where she successfully booked artists such as Travis Scott, twenty one pilots, Kendrick Lamar, Macklemore + Ryan Lewis, Ke$ha, and Zedd, among others.
Immediately after graduation, Kelly moved to California to join Creative Artists Agency (CAA), starting in entry-level roles including intern, ticket counts clerk, and music contracts. Within five months of graduating, she advanced to support Rob Light ('78), head of music and managing partner, handling esteemed clients such as Stevie Wonder, Ariana Grande, and Beyoncé.
In 2018, she was recruited by busbee, a prominent pop and country producer (known for his work with Maren Morris, Carly Pearce, and P!nk), to help expand his company. Kelly collaborated with artists including Carly Pearce (Big Machine), Ryan Griffin, Conor Matthews (Warner Records), Lindsey Lomis (Warner Records), and Riley Roth.
Transitioning in August 2021, Kelly accepted a role as Artist Relations Manager at the two-way live streaming platform, Applause. She immersed herself in artist programming, launching initiatives such as "Live From My Living Room" and “Heard it Here First,” spotlighting emerging talents such as the artist Gayle.
Expanding her repertoire, Kelly led VIP relations and entertainment marketing initiatives at Topgolf, a leading golf entertainment company. Her efforts attracted celebrities like Paul George, Simu Liu, Owen Wilson, Terry Crews, Schoolboy Q, and Jeremy Zucker.
Following an entertainment industry layoff, Kelly reflected deeply and felt compelled to fully commit to her passion for helping others. This included working at a inpatient facility for mental health disorders in Malibu, as well as supporting clients wellbeing at a prominent sober living in Mar Vista. Concurrently, Kelly served as a therapist to adolescents and adults at Antioch University’s Counseling Center under the supervision of Eric Day, PhD.
After a few years of studying, working and doing clinical work, she graduated with her masters in Clinical Marriage and Family Therapy at Antioch University in Culver City, CA.
Currently, Kelly is a program therapist at Clear Behavioral Health in Redondo Beach, and works in private practice under the supervision of Ariana Gravanis, LPCC.