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Email to Kelly Smith: Introduction & Vision Alignment

Date: 2025-12-16 To: Kelly Smith (CEO, Prenda) From: Gary Sheng Subject: Would love to connect

Kelly,

I had a great call with Katelyn and Brittany on Monday. I know Brittany told you about it.

Since then, I listened to your entire book. "A Fire to Be Kindled" really resonated. The humble and soulful way you're approaching building Prenda is inspiring.

I feel called by God to support the intersection of faith, technology, and education. I have it in my heart that I'll be helping develop faith-led microschools in Texas and eventually beyond. There's a real possibility Prenda becomes one of the organizations I support in making that vision a reality.

I know I just missed you visiting Texas. But I'd love to find time for a call before the holidays to get acquainted. I'm sure we'll have a lot to talk about.

By the way, small world: one of my close friends and mentors is Travis Oliphant (an AI pioneer with a great interest in the future of education). He was a professor at BYU while you were getting your bachelor's degree.

Looking forward to connecting.

Gary Sheng

Context for Gary​

Kelly Smith Background​

  • Education: Physics degree from BYU (honors thesis on laser high harmonic generation), graduate work in nuclear science (fusion) at MIT
  • Pre-Prenda: Technology and engineering roles including GridConnect Platform Manager at Johnson Controls
  • Prenda Origin: Started 2013 teaching coding at Mesa, AZ library, worked with 2,000+ kids over 5 years
  • Founded Prenda: January 2018 in his own home with 7 children including his son
  • Book: "A Fire to Be Kindled" - based on Plutarch quote "The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled"
  • Family: Wife and four children, based in Mesa, Arizona
  • Recognition: Y Combinator alum, recognized as top leader in education innovation

Travis Oliphant Connection​

  • Travis was professor at BYU while Kelly was getting his bachelor's degree in physics
  • Both have technical/scientific backgrounds (Travis: NumPy/SciPy creator, Kelly: MIT nuclear science)
  • Natural connection point for introduction

Gary's Value Proposition to Kelly​

  • Network of churches interested in microschools (Whitestone/Tauren Wells, Encounter Church, Last Chance Ministries)
  • Intersection of faith, technology, and education (rare combination)
  • Christian Micro School Alliance vision as potential Prenda partner
  • Content collaboration opportunities (blogs, podcasts, conferences)
  • Applied AI Society for tech integration
  • Christofuturist movement and South by Southwest summit plans