About Savvy Search
Who We Are
At Savvy Search, we believe lived experience is a form of expertise — and ethical storytelling is a tool for real change.
Founded by advocate and strategist Pat Kelly, Savvy Search is where personal insight meets public accountability. We help organizations, boards, and communities name the gaps between what’s promised and what’s practiced — then offer tools to do better.
Our work is grounded in empathy, clarity, and the belief that the people most affected by systems should help shape how they change.
Meet Pat Kelly
Founder | Advocate | Strategist | Storyteller
I’ve spent my life fighting for things that matter — first as a cancer survivor and grassroots organizer, and later as a community strategist, researcher, and policy advisor.
I began my career in immunology research at McMaster University, but everything changed when I was diagnosed with breast cancer as a young mother. That experience led me to co-found Canada’s first grassroots breast cancer group and co-author the first in a series of six patient-centered books on cancer, including “What You Need to Know About Breast Cancer.”
From there, I became a public advocate — working alongside global leaders like Sharon Batt and U.S. patient activists in Washington D.C. to influence health policy, research funding, and patient rights.
Over the past 30 years, I have:
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Led campaigns, conferences, and coalitions across Canada
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Advised nonprofits, universities, and government agencies
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Published books, testified before legislatures, and shaped public opinion through media commentary
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Helped others find the words, strategy, and ethical framing to do the same
I hold a Master’s in Adult Leadership and Learning, and my work bridges the personal and political, the emotional and the strategic.
Whether I’m in a boardroom or a community centre, I know how to help people move from confusion to clarity — and from silence to action.
How We Work
We build tools and tell stories that drive change.
Savvy Search brings together collaborators, community leaders, and experts to:
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Analyze and transform lived experiences into ethical case studies
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Build scorecards and evaluation tools for civic and organizational accountability
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Advise on strategy, messaging, and leadership learning grounded in real-world complexity
We’re lean, agile, and deeply principled. Whether you're facing internal workplace challenges or seeking public credibility, we’ll work with you one-on-one or as a dedicated project team to craft strategic tools that create measurable, human-centered impact.
Why It Matters
At every level — from the kitchen table to city council — we know that people often feel something’s wrong before they can explain it. Our work helps name it, frame it, and transform it into a lesson that others can learn from.
Savvy Search isn’t just about storytelling or data. It’s about helping systems act more ethically, leaders lead with courage, and communities create real accountability.
Ready to Work Together?
If you’re ready to close the gap between what you say and what you do, we’re here to help.
