Courtney Kelly

Biography

Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, Courtney Kelly grew up wanting to be a veterinarian - until Hurricane Katrina changed the course of her life. After attending numerous engineering and math camps, she left Louisiana to pursue degrees in civil engineering and mathematics at Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, Texas.

She began a career in construction project management of heavy civil infrastructure projects that has included work at DFW International and Love Field Airports, highways, and local municipalities. Courtney went on to obtain a master’s degree in civil engineering with a concentration in structures from SMU and a master’s degree in business at Lamar University in Beaumont, TX. She is also a licensed professional engineer in the state of Texas.

In her spare time, Courtney serves on the board for SOSMC USA, a nonprofit raising funds to renovate three buildings on the campus of a school for low-income disabled children in Chennai, India. She enjoys traveling, attending arts events, discovering new music, watching Korean dramas, and spending time with her fluffy bunny, Albus.

Learn more at Courtney Kelly’s official website.

Written by civil engineer, Courtney Kelly, Celeste Saves the City and beautifully illustrated by Erin Nielson, teaches children about civil engineering. The Black female character demonstrates that they can be successful in this STEM field. Recorded and edited by Troy Johnson of the African American Literature Book Club during the Tulisoma South Dallas Book Fair which was held, August 19, 2023. Learn more at: https://aalbc.com/books/bookinfo.php?isbn13=9780578315195

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