VCWoman Achieve 2025 Mentee Spotlight – Kimberly Willis

Posted on January 29, 2025
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Name: Kimberly Willis | Business/Profession: CEO & Founder, Viv & Gin Consulting; IamShe

Please share a little about your background, personally and/or professionally.

I have over 15 years of experience as a results & values – driven transformational specialist and organizational coach in the education sector. I am deeply committed to empowering individuals and teams to be change agents and create valuable experiences. I hold dual master’s degrees in Human Resources Management and Secondary Education.

As Director of Human Resources, I work hard fostering organizational growth and enhancing employee engagement, talent acquisition, performance management, and employee development.

I was a high school Principal, for ten years implementing innovative programs that empowered both educators and students, resulting in improved academic performance and meaningful educational experiences. I believe in the power of education to transform lives.

As CEO & founder of Viv & Gin Consulting and non profit IamShe, I understand the charge to fortify communities and change narratives for marginalized and underserved populations as a collective responsibility. My ultimate goal is to create safe spaces and amplifying impact through intentional influence.

I am the proud mother of two lovely daughters, Serene (sophomore in college )and Brooke (Fifth grader). I am a member of the illustrious sorority, Delta Sigma Theta, and enjoy ministry, creating, writing all things philanthropic, and experiencing adventures with my family.

Please share about your business, where it’s located, and what led you to starting it.

My business is located in Little Rock.

What goals do you hope to achieve for your business during your time in VCWoman Achieve?

I hope to gain strategic guidance, enhance my skills and knowledge as an entrepreneur and practitioner in my industry, expand my professional network, achieve measurable growth, gain insights and solutions for pain points such as funding and building clientele.

What drew you to being part of a mentorship group specifically curated for non-men? How has being a woman or non-binary individual impacted your journey as an entrepreneur?

I want to be part of mentorship comprised of women, because it creates space where shared experiences will foster better understanding, empowerment and collaboration is central. Being in a women focused mentorship program means that representation is important, culturally relevant experiences are more prevalent, collaboration, growth and legacy building will be an immediate goal for women; especially women who look like me.

What are three things you enjoy doing outside of work?

Teaching and developing people in any capacity, serving, and all things, philanthropy, and creating.

What is your favorite part about being an entrepreneur?

Liberation and freedom to lean into all of the parts about life, the entrepreneur ship offers, without being confined to a building, a desk, or someone else’s mission, vision or dream. Creating a legacy for my family.