Her Story
About Kimberly
Kimberly Truong is a Psychology and Communications student at the University of California, Davis, with a strong passion for higher education, student affairs, and creating equitable opportunities for students. As a first-generation, low-income student and a person with a visible disability, Kimberly draws from her lived experiences to advocate for accessibility, inclusion, and student success. Her journey through UC Davis’ Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), where she first participated as an incoming student, inspired her commitment to supporting students navigating higher education.
Through her work with EOP, Kimberly has developed extensive experience in peer advising, mentorship, event planning, and student leadership. She served as a Peer Advising Counselor, mentoring incoming first-year students and helping them transition academically, personally, and socially into college life. She later advanced to the role of Peer Coordinator, where she supported program operations, supervised peer staff, coordinated events, and served as a bridge between students and staff. Her leadership reflects her dedication to building supportive environments where students from historically underserved communities can thrive.
Kimberly continues to pursue a career in higher education and student affairs, focusing on student development, accessibility, and advocacy. She credits her growth to the mentors and supervisors who have guided her journey, particularly leaders who have demonstrated the importance of compassionate and inclusive leadership. Through her future work, Kimberly hopes to continue creating meaningful change, mentoring future generations of students, and ensuring that educational spaces are accessible and welcoming for all.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kimberly
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the support of my network and the resilience I developed through life’s challenges. My experiences have taught me strength, perseverance, and the ability to overcome obstacles.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to embrace opportunities, even when I need a little encouragement to take the next step. Mentorship and guidance from others have helped me grow, build confidence, and pursue new challenges.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women entering my field to use the resources available to them. Seek guidance from faculty, mentors, and experienced professionals who can provide valuable insight and help you navigate your career path.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges and opportunities in my field is creating more inclusive and compassionate environments where everyone is valued for who they are and what they contribute. My experiences have strengthened my commitment to promoting respect, kindness, and accessibility, ensuring people are recognized beyond their differences.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are respect, kindness, and compassion. I believe everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and seen for who they are. I strive to spread kindness and create positive experiences for others so they feel valued and supported.
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