As Head of Developer Experience at Vanguard, Kelly Anne (Martin) Pipe ’02 works with senior leaders and engineering teams across the organization to improve developer productivity and address challenges facing teams across the company. Most recently, that has included supporting Vanguard’s AI rollout efforts, work she also presented on at a technology conference earlier this spring.
A graduate of the all-girls Archbishop Prendergast Catholic High School and valedictorian of the Class of 2002, Kelly Anne reflected on her path into STEM, the impact of graduating in the months following 9/11, and the mentors and mindset that helped shape her career.
You served as valedictorian of the Class of 2002. Do you remember your graduation speech?
Yes, of course! I built my speech around the perspective and reflection that 2002 is a palindrome, the same forward and backward. As part of my speech, I quoted the Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard, and my family has used that as an ongoing running joke in the best way, trying to include Kierkegaard quotes whenever there is an opportunity for a family speech.
We were also seniors on 9/11, and I think graduating that spring carried a weight that shaped how all of us from that class think about resilience and moving forward. With 2026 marking 25 years since that day, it feels like a meaningful moment to reflect.
Do you have a favorite memory from graduation day?
Moments before graduation, as I headed to the stage to put my speech on the podium, Mr. Moore (the choir director) offhandedly asked if I was ready to lead the Alma Mater. I learned in that moment that I was supposed to lead it. Fortunately, my mom is an alumna, so the Alma Mater was something I’d been practicing since long before I was officially a student.
What path did you take after graduating from Prendie?
After Prendie, I studied Computer Science and New Media at Fairfield University. I began my career at Saint Joseph's University, where I worked on the main university website, before joining Vanguard in 2020.
I’ve been in IT at Vanguard ever since, and I’m currently Head of Developer Experience. I work with senior leaders and engineering teams across the organization to make sure pain points actually get surfaced and addressed.
Most recently, that’s included supporting our AI rollout efforts, and I had the chance to present on that work at a tech conference earlier this spring.
Was there a teacher, class, or experience at Prendie that helped build your confidence in STEM?
One of the biggest things Prendie gave me was confidence, not necessarily through one single class, but through the overall environment and the encouragement to challenge myself academically and take on leadership opportunities.
That said, I absolutely have to mention Sister Gertrude, who I had for three different years for math. Sr. Gert had very high expectations for us, and you definitely needed to be ready to explain your homework answers at any moment in class, or remember to complete the 20-page packet over Easter break.
But what stands out to me now is that she paired those expectations with real support. “Come see me before school tomorrow morning” was never a threat. It was a promise that she would help you if you were willing to put in the effort.
I think a lot of people assume confidence in STEM comes from always knowing the answer, but in reality it often comes from learning how to problem-solve, ask questions, and keep going when something is difficult.
What excites you most about the future of technology and AI?
What excites me most about technological change is the opportunity it creates to improve the way people work, learn, and solve problems – especially when it is designed to support, not replace, what makes us human. We’re living through a period of incredibly rapid change, and it’s exciting to see new tools helping people collaborate more effectively and reclaim time for creative, meaningful work that requires human judgment and imagination.
AI is obviously a big part of that conversation right now. Used well, I think it has a huge potential to increase productivity, reduce friction, and handle routine tasks. But I see its greatest value not in what it can do instead of people, but in what it enables people to do more of – thinking critically, creating, learning, and connecting.
I think it’s important to acknowledge that these changes also raise real questions and challenges, especially around creativity, education, trust, and how we preserve human connection and critical thinking. One of the most important challenges is making sure we build and use technology thoughtfully and responsibly, in ways that respect and preserve what is uniquely human.
Did attending an all-girls Prendie shape your confidence in STEM?
I attended Prendie when it was all-girls, and I think that environment played a role, but honestly, growing up with three brothers probably deserves equal credit.
I never really considered that I couldn’t do STEM, and I think that mindset is what I’d most want younger students to take away. Don’t let others define for you what you can or cannot do.
How do you stay connected to Bonner & Prendie today?
I stay connected through the Hall of Fame committee, which has been a meaningful way to give back to APHS.
My husband and I live in Media with our two little girls, and my older daughter has actually appeared on stage at MBAPHS in some recent shows. It’s been really special seeing the school through a new generation’s eyes.
What advice would you give to current MBAP students, especially young women, who may be interested in technology or STEM careers?
First, you do not need to have everything figured out early. Technology careers are incredibly broad, and many people working in STEM today didn’t follow a perfectly linear path.
Second, don’t underestimate the importance of communication and leadership skills. Some of the most successful people in technology are not necessarily the best coders. They’re the people who can solve problems, collaborate across teams, explain complex ideas clearly, and help bring people together.
And finally, don’t talk yourself out of opportunities before someone else does. I think a lot of young women sometimes feel they need to be 100% qualified before trying something new. In technology, almost everyone is learning constantly. Curiosity, adaptability, and resilience matter just as much as technical knowledge.