UVAFinance welcomes Kelela Perovich

Payroll Specialist and Dance
Instructor Kelela Perovich

UVAFinance is pleased to welcome Kelela Perovich to the Payroll Team.  Perovich’s career path has been shaped by curiosity and a willingness to lean into challenges, even when they lead somewhere unexpected.

Originally from Austin, Texas, and now living in Dallas, Perovich studied dance and Spanish before beginning her payroll career in 2011. What started as an unplanned step quickly became meaningful work. She began at a small company, learning the details from the ground up, and later moved into large retail organizations, including GameStop and Michaels. 

With each role, Perovich looked for something new to learn, believing that growth comes from stepping into unfamiliar spaces. At UVA Finance, she has been especially excited to learn more about Workday's various functions and how the system can be leveraged to support the University. During her time at UVA, she has already seen how the University encourages continuous learning and growth.

Outside of work, Perovich’s connection to dance remains strong. She currently teaches belly dance classes at a recreation center in Dallas and has trained in a wide range of styles, including contemporary dance, ballet, and Irish dance. Her journey from student to performer to instructor reflects her love for learning and sharing what she knows with others.

At home, Perovich spends time with her husband and their two cats, Vilya and Nenya, named after her favorite books, The Lord of the Rings. An introvert at heart, she enjoys work that allows her to focus, stay organized, and make a quiet but meaningful impact. She values roles that offer both structure and variety, and she has found that balance at UVA. We are excited to welcome Kalela Perovich to UVA Finance and consider her a valued part of the UVA community.