In 1999, Kimberly Holland wanted options for her professional and personal life. She worked as a product specialist for Cengage, which included frequent traveling commitments. Though she enjoyed her job, she had hopes of having a family one day.
Kimberly applied and began studying for her MBA at IWU. With her new degree, she considered that she could continue working in the corporate field or take a different career path.
"I purposely wanted to keep my degree and my future kind of generic because I didn't know what the future held or whether I wanted to go into academia, start a business, or continue in the corporate world,” Kimberly said.
During her time studying, she utilized the flexible academic schedule to continue working and take several breaks in between semesters to focus on her personal and family life. By the time she graduated in December 2004, she was pregnant with her third child.
"Learning online allowed me to be flexible whether I was traveling for work or had to be at home with my children… Having flexibility as a working adult with other responsibilities was a key factor for me to be able to finish," Kimberly said.
As she hoped, Kimberly was able to achieve different personal and professional goals. Since graduating from IWU, her professional career has been impacted by a variety of experiences. She returned to the corporate field for several years, working as the Learning Consultant for Pearson, and in 2013, she transitioned to start her own yoga business, Kalm Kids Yoga.
Kimberly has been able to use her prior experience navigating remote learning to connect and serve her community. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, she instructed Zoom yoga classes to elderly community members.
Kimberly is continuing to take advantage of the open doors of opportunity to achieve her goals. She is currently completing her health coach certification to become an executive health coach.
Kimberly shared her advice to those who are considering how to pursue their passions.
“Don't put off your personal goals, but keep an open mind so that you’ll be ready to learn from others and your own experiences.”