Meet the CEO Behind Reinvented: Caeley Looney

Written By: Ellianys Pupo Restrepo 

Her Journey

Believe it or not, engineering wasn’t always Caeley’s dream. 

Growing up with two parents who were engineers, she thought STEM was “the least cool thing” she could do. Instead, she dreamed of becoming a fashion designer. She spent her time putting together colorful outfits and taking sewing classes to learn how to make her own clothes. 

Everything changed in sixth grade when her mom encouraged her to attend a FIRST Robotics meeting at her local Girl Scouts council. Watching robots in action sparked something that would shape the rest of her future. Soon, robotics competitions became a huge part of her life. Through them, she discovered the incredible possibilities of engineering and, eventually, space 

exploration. 

“Space is infinite, and we know nearly nothing about it. I wanted more than anything to be a part of figuring out the mysteries of the universe.” 

Caeley went on to earn a B.S. in aerospace engineering from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University before completing her Master’s degree in space systems engineering at Johns Hopkins University. Now, Caeley works full-time as a GNC Test Engineer supporting a variety of spacecraft. Over the course of her career so far, she’s worked on everything from satellite missions to lunar exploration and mission operations, all while founding and growing Reinvented Inc. Reinvented is a non-profit organization with a mission to reinvent the perception of women in STEM while inspiring girls around the world through print and digital resources, social media, hands-on workshops, and community programs. 

Creating Community

Caeley’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. As a Latina and autistic person, she experienced moments where others questioned whether she belonged. Instead of allowing those voices to define her, she found strength in something else: community. She credits her mom, organizations like FIRST Robotics, Girl Scouts, and NCWIT, and the community of women in STEM around her for reminding her that she belonged in every room she entered.

When Caeley founded Reinvented, her goal was to create something that would keep encouraging girls in STEM to achieve their dreams. Through magazines, workshops, events, and mentorship, Reinvented has grown into the support system Caeley wished every young girl entering STEM could have. 

Since Reinvented’s inception, it has grown into a global community dedicated to celebrating women in STEM, providing role models, and ensuring girls have access to hands-on STEM programs. 

Caeley hopes the community only continues to grow and flourish from here. Sometimes, changing the world starts with helping one girl believe she belongs, and that is exactly what Reinvented is about.