Award-winning civil engineer Courtney Kelly has made a name for herself both as a well-respected construction management professional and self-published children’s book author.  She earned bachelor’s degrees in civil engineering and math as well as a master’s degree in civil engineering from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. Courtney also holds an MBA from Lamar University and is a licensed professional engineer. In 2023, she was selected as an Engineering News-Record Texas & Louisiana Top Young Professional.

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Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, the experience of evacuating from Hurricane Katrina during her sophomore year of high school sparked her curiosity in civil engineering. Courtney transformed her story into her self-published children's books, Celeste Saves the City and Celeste Tunnels Underground, which encourage readers to pursue careers in civil engineering and construction. Since the release of the first book in 2022, over 6,000 copies have been sold across more than 15 countries and the books have been translated into multiple languages.

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Courtney currently resides in Dallas, Texas where she serves as a Project Director for H.J. Russell & Company, a commercial construction firm. She sits on advisory boards for KRANE AI, SOSMC, and the American Society of Civil Engineers’ Construction Institute. Courtney is also an adjunct professor at Southern Methodist University teaching civil and environmental engineering courses. In her spare time, she enjoys attending performing arts events, traveling, and watching Asian dramas.