Meet Kimberly Warren

Bridging Excellence and Wellness

Kimberly Michelle Warren represents a rare professional archetype, the leader who excels in complex institutional environments while simultaneously recognizing that sustainable success requires intentional recovery, clarity, and peace. As Director of Academic Programs at the Katz School of Science and Health at Yeshiva University, she manages the development and continuous improvement of graduate programs in cutting-edge fields like AI, cybersecurity, biotechnology, and data analytics. But her impact extends far beyond her formal role through El Tenny™, her innovative aromatherapy and wellness brand designed specifically for high-performing women navigating major life transitions.

With an MBA and a BA from Avila University, combined with over 20 years of experience in higher education and research operations, Kimberly has spent her career building student-centered systems that strengthen equity, compliance, and performance. Her expertise spans admissions, financial aid, and institutional operations, each domain demanding meticulous attention to detail and strategic vision. Yet even as she excels in these demanding roles, she recognized something essential: high-performance work without intentional recovery leads to burnout, not impact.

This insight led to the creation of El Tenny™, launching in February. Far from being a side project, El Tenny™ represents Kimberly's integrated philosophy that true leadership requires both excellence in external work and commitment to internal wellness. Through scent-led rituals and intentional self-care products, El Tenny™ helps women reset, refocus, and build the resilience required for sustainable success.

At the Katz School, Kimberly collaborates with faculty, program directors, and senior leadership to align academic strategy with institutional goals that demand the ability to bridge day-to-day operations with long-range innovation. Her commitment to student success is evident in how she approaches this work: with clear processes, strong partnerships, and data-informed decision-making that continuously improves outcomes.

Currently pursuing a PhD in Management with a concentration in Information Systems Management at Walden University, Kimberly embodies the lifelong learner she encourages others to become. When asked what advice she'd give young women entering her field, she emphasizes the importance of never giving up, seeking mentors, and enjoying the journey while building strong networks and tracking accomplishments.

What Kimberly attributes her success to—purpose and persistence, supported by family, guided by mentors, and strengthened by overcoming challenges—reflects values of integrity, excellence, and service that guide every aspect of her work. Her career advice is practical and powerful: "Be consistent, not perfect. Build credibility through results, document your impact, and never underestimate the power of relationships, preparation, and follow-through."

In a field facing rapid change driven by AI, shifting expectations, and tighter budgets, Kimberly sees both challenge and opportunity. The challenge is leading through disruption while maintaining a high-touch experience. The opportunity is modernizing systems with better data, smarter tools, and stronger customer experience design.

Through both her institutional leadership and El Tenny™, Kimberly Warren is demonstrating that the future belongs to leaders who can manage complexity while nurturing the wellness that makes excellence sustainable.