Meet Kelsey Kirrene | Nonprofit President & Engineering Leader

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kelsey Kirrene and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelsey, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind my success, and the success of my nonprofit The Princess Program STEM, has been authenticity. From day one, I’ve been committed to showing up exactly as I am: an engineer who loves glitter, a mom who wants more for her daughter, and a woman who believes you don’t have to choose between being powerful and being playful. That feeling resonates deeply with many of the women I’ve been privileged to partner with, and helps me build authentic relationships and connections to build upon.

Our brand isn’t about pretending to be something we’re not. It’s about reimagining what’s possible and embracing everything with our whole selves, for us that’s through princess dresses, sparkly crowns, and fairy tales. By staying true to our mission and the people we serve, we’ve been able to build something real, something joyful, and something that’s growing because it reflects the values of inclusion, curiosity, and courage.

Authenticity has also been a key strength in my engineering leadership because it frees up energy to focus on innovating instead of wasting it on trying to fit in. When I lead as my true self, I create space for others to share their bold ideas, genuinely collaborate, and identify forward-thinking solutions – and I’m far more effective at contributing in those ways myself!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
The Princess Program STEM is a nonprofit on a mission to spark curiosity and confidence in young kids by showing them they can engineer their own happily ever after through STEM careers! Using whimsical, hands-on STEM experiences like building castles and exploring science in fairy-tale settings, we introduce elementary-aged students to the world of engineering in a way that feels magical, joyful, and empowering.

What sets us apart is our ability to meet kids exactly where they are. We intentionally leverage imaginative princess play as a culturally relevant pedagogy for STEM education, making engineering feel accessible to kids who don’t have STEM role models around them. Our programs are designed for parents and educators too, especially those without STEM backgrounds, so that entire families feel equipped and inspired to explore science and engineering together.

I started The Princess Program STEM during maternity leave with my daughter. I looked at the world she was being born into and realized I didn’t want her, or any other child, to grow up thinking she had to choose between being sparkly or smart. As a space industry engineer, STEM educator, and now mom, I knew we could do more to shift the narrative.

But, the journey hasn’t been easy. Starting and growing a nonprofit while caring for a newborn meant working late nights, saying yes before everything was ready, and learning by doing. But the smiles on kids’ faces, the moments of wonder when they see themselves as builders and problem-solvers, that’s what keeps me going and is precisely what has helped me build a nationwide board and inspire over 2,000 future innovators through school visits and community events in our first 9 months of business.

If there’s one thing I want the world to know, it’s this: an engineer is a princess who builds her own castle. And we’re building a future where every child believes they can be (or build) anything they dream of!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting the Los Angeles area for a week, I’d make sure they experienced a little bit of everything—sun, science, skyline views, and tacos. L.A. is such a mix of energy and calm, and I’d want them to feel that magic.

Day 1: Welcome to L.A.
We’d kick off with brunch at a coffee shop near wherever they’re staying to get a taste of L.A.’s food scene right away. From there, a casual walk around some of the must see tourist attractions like the La Brea Tar Pits and LACMA to take in a bit of culture and science (bonus points for making cringy tik tok videos at each stop). Then for dinner we’d do something lowkey but delicious like street tacos.

Day 2: Hike + Griffith Observatory
We’d start with a morning hike up Mt. Hollywood. The view from the top is breathtaking, especially with the Observatory in sight. After exploring Griffith Observatory (because yes, science is always part of the adventure!), we’d time it so we catch sunset views over the city.

Day 3: Beach Day in Laguna Beach
We’d get up early and head down to Laguna Beach for sunshine, skimboarding, and visit to Victoria Beach (my favorite!). We’d probably rent skimboards for the day and laugh as I fall on my butt trying the most basic moves. After rinsing off the salt and sand, we’d watch the sunset with a fancy cocktail in hand at The Drake.

Day 4: Arts & Vibes in Venice and Santa Monica
We’d explore shopping and wandering around Santa Monica, and maybe rent bikes to ride along the coach. Later in the afternoon, we’d head to the Santa Monica Pier, ride the Ferris wheel, and grab fish tacos at Blue Plate Taco. After dinner, we’d probably head back to the pier and grab ice cream, then sit and people watch for a bit!

Day 5: Disneyland (because it’s worth it!)
If they’ve never been, or even if they have, Disneyland is a must do, especially during the holiday season. I’d plan ahead, pack snacks, and make sure we use our fast passes just right to squeeze in all the rides and watch fireworks at night.

Day 6: More Disneyland!!
Of course, we’d need another day to enjoy all of the entertainment in California Adventure. I love a pit stop at Pym Test Kitchen, and torturing all of my friends by riding Guardians of the Galaxy even when they’re afraid of heights and drops. (sorry!)

Day 7: Newport Sunset + Relaxation
On the last day, we’d head to Newport Beach, maybe join friends for a boat day in the harbor or cruise around the canals, and then settle in at Malarky’s or Mutt Lynch’s for a fun, laid-back beach bar vibe. We’d toast to a great week exploring all around SoCal!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
None of my success or achievements would have been possible without my husband and biggest cheerleader, Kaalen Kirrene! Every time I shared a crazy idea, he’d cheer me on and help me brainstorm, even my craziest idea of starting a nonprofit while recently postpartum after giving birth to our first daughter!

Website: https://www.theprincessprogramstem.com/

Instagram: @theprincessprogramstem

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelseyekirrene

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=61562202902186

Image Credits
Headshot: Ferell Ann Photography
All other photos: The Princess Program STEM