She was also the first woman to be issued a radio operator's certificate by the United States government under the provisions of the Wireless Ship Act of 1910.

[1] In early 1912, it was announced that R. H. Armstrong, manager of the Seattle office of the United Wireless Telegraph Company, had arranged for training two women, including Kelso, to became maritime radio operators.

[3] On June 6, 1912, Kelso was the first woman issued a "Certificate of Skill in Radiocommunication" under the provisions of the Wireless Ship Act of 1910, qualifying her to work as a maritime operator.

[3] Kelso was hired by United Wireless, and effective July 1 assigned to the S.S. Mariposa, a steamship which traveled between ports at Seattle and in Alaska.

R. H. Sawler, the new head of the Seattle office, soon discharged Kelso from shipboard duties,[6] stating that "it was against the policy of the company to employ women operators".