Hello, my name is Kimberly.

I am a full-time optimist, part-time realist. I currently work in higher education as a leader in academic advising; and while I love my career, I also have bigger dreams. I'm called to encourage people; and I'm fortunate my career allows me to do that, but I also want to inspire others to be the best versions of themselves.

Losing my husband in June 2018 is only part of my story; and I'm still working through my grief, but I have been surrounded by so much love and support. I've been called brave and strong by those who have been beside me through the ordeal, but I think I'm more resilient and hopeful than anything else.

I believe language shapes our reality, and I'm purposeful in the way that I think of myself. I prefer to say I'm widowed instead of referring to myself as a widow. Being "widowed" is an unfortunate event that happens to you, and a "widow" is something that you are. In the same vein, I prefer to say that I'm moving forward instead of moving on. I will probably never move on from this loss, but I am moving forward.

Fast, Fun Facts:

• I'm a Christian.

• My mom is Vietnamese; my dad is Puerto Rican; and I'm just awesome. :)

• I have a dog (Josey), and an outdoor cat (Mau).

• I love road trips, and I like to pretend that I'm in a movie and that my playlist is the soundtrack.

• My new favorite song is "Danger is Real" by Sister Hazel: and you should totally look it up, because it is amazing!

• I like sunrises slightly more than sunsets.

• I can keep anyone's secrets except my own.

• The best piece of writing advice that I've heard is from Anne Lamott, who said in her Ted Talk that if people wanted you to only write nice things about them, then they should have behaved better (paraphrased). Basically, I'm done pulling punches in my writing.

• I'm a pretty open book, but I'm also full of surprises. There's so much more to me than anyone has seen.

• I don't think I'm very photogenic, but below are some of my favorites.