Caeley Looney: STEM Advocate, Rocket Scientist and Inspiration Extraordinaire
- Cassandra Munoz
- 15 hours ago
- 4 min read
Meet Caeley Looney, a force of nature in the STEM world. Caeley seamlessly blends the precision of a space mission analyst with the passionate drive of a girls' STEM advocate. We were particularly impressed by her dedication and inspiring story when she recently volunteered her time at Make48’s Vandermont competition.
"Volunteering at the Make48 Vandermont competition was AMAZING! The students were so curious and innovative beyond anything I ever thought was possible. They didn't shy away from asking for help, and I think the inclusive and passionate atmosphere played a big role in this," Caeley shared.
Caeley's journey is a testament to her dedication and talent. After earning her B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 2018, she soared to new heights, completing her M.S. in Space Systems Engineering at Johns Hopkins University in 2022. Her professional trajectory includes pivotal roles at L3Harris Technologies, where she contributed to small satellite programs, and Firefly Aerospace, where she served as a Mission Operations Engineer and Mission Planner on the groundbreaking Blue Ghost Lunar Lander mission.
However, Caeley's impact extends far beyond her impressive technical achievements. Driven by a desire to empower young girls in STEM, she founded Reinvented Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. At its heart lies Reinvented Magazine, the nation's first print magazine created for girls in STEM by girls in STEM.
The Spark
Caeley credits her parents for igniting her passion for STEM. "I had not 1, but 2 parents who were engineers. That meant that my mom could help me with my homework and science projects, and she was the one who really pushed me in the direction of engineering. She was this constant role model I had by my side literally every step of the way, even today. Not only was she a role model, she also told me the sky isn't the limit, and that always reminded me I could explore as far beyond the stars as I set my mind to."
However, it was her own experiences in the professional world that truly fueled her mission. "I was a little over a year into my first full-time job, and I looked around and realized that I was still experiencing those same gender biases that I had in college. I thought it would go away once I got my degree, proved that I earned my B.S. and belonged in the space industry, but after starting at work and still being surrounded by male colleagues, it didn't change much at all. I didn't know how to fix it for myself being a young professional in STEM, but I knew what I needed when I was younger to make me feel confident enough just to make it to where I was, so I focused on that."
In 2018, this realization sparked the birth of Reinvented, a platform that champions inclusivity and empowers girls to see themselves as leaders in STEM.
Reinvented Magazine: Redefining STEM for Girls
Reinvented's mission is clear: to dismantle outdated perceptions of women in STEM and ignite a passion for these fields in young women globally. Caeley recognized a critical gap: While fashion magazines dominated the shelves, a publication celebrating girls' interest in technology and innovation was sorely missing.
Through compelling stories of trailblazing women, up-to-the-minute science and technology news, and a vibrant community, Reinvented is paving the way for the next generation of STEM pioneers.
Reinvented Inc. expands its reach through a variety of initiatives, including:
Developing print and digital resources.
Leveraging social media to build a dynamic community.
Conducting engaging in-person workshops.
Website: https://www.reinventedmagazine.com/
"Reinvented really works on two things: (1) Women in STEM exist, flat out. There is minimal visibility for female role models in STEM to begin with, and girls grow up learning this myth that we don't exist and, therefore, they themselves don't belong in these fields. We make women in STEM visible for the next generation. And (2) Women in STEM can come from anywhere and be whoever they want to be. The biggest component to this that I love showcasing is that 'femininity and engineering are not mutually exclusive.' We ask our role models to send us pictures that they feel confident in, and most often, it's not the ones where they're wearing the gray blazer trying to fit in, it's the one of them wearing makeup and bright colors. We really aim to show girls that they belong in STEM industries and that they can show up as themselves, whatever that looks like for them."
Beyond the Stars: Passion Projects and Community
Through Reinvented, Caeley also manages Princesses with Powertools, a program created by her close friend, Xyla Foxlin, that was integrated into Reinvented’s core programming in 2020. Together, they are committed to inspiring the next generation of female STEM enthusiasts. Keep an eye on the calendar for upcoming events featuring Caeley and the Princess Powertools crew.
Embracing her neurodiversity, Caeley, who has Autism & ADHD, lives a captivating "double life," as reflected in her Twitter tagline: "rocket scientist by day, editor in chief by night." Her creative spirit shines through in her remarkable personal projects, including an origami kayak, an Olivia Rodrigo-themed smart mirror, a plant-powered Ferris wheel, and a 3D-printed light-up starry night dress.
Connect with Caeley
We eagerly anticipate the innovative projects and inspiring initiatives Caeley will bring to the world in the future. If you want to connect with Caeley directly, please visit her website and Instagram.
Website: https://www.caeleylooney.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caeleystems/
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