Proud to call ‘The Mitten’ home

Born in Jackson, educated in Detroit and Big Rapids: Meet Enbridge’s newest community champion

July 10, 2024

Kirstie Staelens’ allegiance to Michigan runs deep, and inspires her passion for the communities where she works, lives and plays.

Now, Staelens will have opportunity to intertwine her personal passions with her professional commitments as a new Enbridge senior advisor for community engagement.

Born in Jackson, MI, and raised throughout the county and surrounding area, Staelens primarily will work within the southern two thirds of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, recognized for its mitten shape.

“I am proud to call ‘The Mitten’ home,” said Staelens.

“I treasure the region and especially Michigan’s Great Lakes, which are our most cherished natural resource. They play a crucial role in our history, and I am excited to join a company committed to preserving that history and protecting the water and environment critical to our communities.”

A first-generation college graduate, Staelens earned her master’s in business administration from Detroit’s Wayne State University and her bachelor’s degree in business from Ferris State University in Big Rapids.

Local roots run deep

Having worked within the Metro Detroit area for more than a decade, Staelens maintains professional affiliations with area chambers of commerce and the Detroit Economic Young Leaders.

On a personal level, she channels her not-for-profit heart into volunteering with multiple Michigan organizations whose missions are dedicated to youth and inclusion.

The IMAGINE Mentoring Program; the Autism Alliance of Michigan; the Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan; and the Capuchin Soup Kitchen are among the organizations to which Staelens dedicates her time. She also is a Disaster Mass Care Responder for the American Red Cross.

“I have a responsibility to do what is right for this area,” said Staelens.

 

“I am excited to work with our communities. It’s where you can make a real, impactful difference by helping people.”

—Kirstie Staelens, Enbridge senior advisor of community engagement in Michigan

“I am compelled to continue enhancing Michigan’s path to resiliency, which hinges in part on having a safe, viable source of energy made possible from Enbridge Line 5 in the Straits of Mackinac.”

Staelens notes that some might not realize the positive impact Line 5 has beyond the Upper Peninsula.

In addition to providing the aviation fuel to the Detroit Metropolitan Airport, Line 5 is instrumental in providing the light crude oil and natural gas liquids essential to manufacturing—including in Wayne County.

“Enbridge is building the foundation to a cleaner energy future, providing the energy needed today while advancing solutions for tomorrow,” said Staelens.

“I am excited to join a company committed to a cleaner energy future in a way that is ethical, sustainable, and socially responsible.

“Being from Michigan, I am eager to join Enbridge to support the communities near and dear to my heart.”