Kimberly Barrett

Kimberly Barrett, Ph.D. always wanted to make a difference. She honed her leadership skills in student government and girl scouting, growing up in South Carolina. Kimberly has always been confident and comfortable in her own skin. She credits this to her parents' love and support. She started in community mental health but her love of learning and teaching led her to academia. There and in her consulting business, she found her calling: advocating for diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. Currently, she is writing her first book on the social construction of race drawn from her experience in an interracial marriage raising her multiethnic son. Kimberly finds knitting the perfect combination of relaxation and productivity. She enjoys time with family, yoga and gardening.

A clear-eyed optimist, Kimberly appreciates our imperfect world but always sees the possibility for change. She knows that most people are good and have a desire to do better. Even though she has experienced people's prejudice and racism, Kimberly remains idealistic. She regards these experiences as opportunities to change people's hearts. Kimberly admires her husband who always came to her defense as a wonderful advocate and ally. She hopes that his courage will inspire others to speak up and create a better world.

Kimberly strives to live her life with empathy and compassion. Her open mind and heart are her greatest assets. She lets others share who they truly are and does not judge. She knows that her own experience is valuable in changing minds. Inspired by Buddhism, she humbly aims to be a good example in her daily actions. Instead of seeking material things, Kimberly believes in pursuing the opportunity to be happy, whatever that may mean. When rushed by life's hectic pace, she draws strength from mindfulness. Kimberly encourages others to focus on the current moment, to take their time and to trust in their own journey.

- Written by Juliane Troicki of Illuminating Project