About

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Hello! My name is Kyle Gerstel and I am studying economics and symbolic systems at Stanford University. I enjoy leading teams, telling stories, and trying to make the world a better place.

So… what have I actually done?

As a high schooler, I spent most of my time leading Penguin, a production company. I created innovative mentorship programs, managing adults and coaching other youth leaders. I worked with all four of Seattle's premier regional theaters: The 5th Avenue Theatre, Seattle Rep, Village Theatre, and Union Arts Center. After I left Penguin, I authored an article in The Seattle Times about teen leadership in the arts.

I am also passionate about journalism and civic engagement. I served on editorial boards at The Islander and TeenTix, provided insights on young adults' political participation for The New York Times, and published national award-winning journalistic writing as a Teen Journalism Fellow at 70 Faces Media. As a community organizer, I spearheaded my high school's response to the Israel-Hamas conflict and worked with the Participatory Budgeting Project to allocate $27 million in public spending.

Over the summer, I was the Communications Director for Mercer Island City Council candidate Dr. Julie Hsieh. I also directed a short film (currently in post-production) and wrote a television pilot (workshop scheduled for 2026).

If you would like to connect or collaborate, please reach out at kgerstel@stanford.edu.