Kirstie Staelens is a force of nature when it comes to building bridges — between people, communities, and the future of energy. As the Senior Advisor of Community Engagement for Enbridge Energy’s Great Lakes Region, Kirstie brings a rare blend of technical insight, heartfelt service, and strategic vision to one of the most pivotal industries of our time. A first-generation college graduate who made Detroit her home after graduation, Kirstie has spent the last several years not just working in the energy sector — but helping shape its future with purpose and passion.
Her journey with the Detroit Economic Club began in 2022 at the Young Leaders Conference, and it’s been full steam ahead ever since. From attending annual conferences to becoming a corporate partner and sponsor through Enbridge in 2024, Kirstie has made it her mission to stay connected and give back. She sees the DEC as more than a professional network — it’s a community that helped her find her footing in a new role and continues to inspire her to lead with collaboration and care.
PODCAST:
July 29, 2025 ~ Kirstie Staelens is lighting the way — literally and figuratively. In this inspiring conversation on “‘JR Afternoon” with Ryan Ermanni, the Enbridge Energy leader and Detroit Economic Club Rising Star honoree shares how she went from rural Michigan to shaping the future of energy, all while staying grounded in community and purpose. Listen in to hear how passion, resilience, and a puzzle or two keep her balanced in a fast-changing world.
(CONTINUED) Kirstie’s commitment to community doesn’t stop at the office door. She’s a dedicated volunteer with organizations like the American Red Cross, Autism Alliance of Michigan, and Humble Design Detroit, among others. Whether she’s helping families recover from disasters or mentoring young professionals, Kirstie shows up with intention and heart. Her work on infrastructure projects — from retiring coal plants to preparing for a historic tunnel beneath the Straits of Mackinac — reflects her deep belief in balancing progress with responsibility.
When asked what she’s most proud of, Kirstie doesn’t point to a single accolade. Instead, she reflects on the bigger picture: a life built with purpose, resilience, and joy. She’s paid off her student loans, built a career she loves, and created a home filled with love and meaning. Her advice to her younger self? “Give yourself grace. You’re still growing—and that’s the whole point.”
Kirstie Staelens is a Rising Star not just because of what she’s accomplished, but because of how she leads — with curiosity, compassion, and a commitment to making Michigan’s future brighter for everyone.
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