Kimberly Fanning, a 1991 graduate of West Haven High School, took her own path after graduation. She went straight into the workforce and did not initially think college was in the cards for her. Decades later, her journey would take her into a career in learning and leadership development, where she has spent years helping organizations bring out the best in their people.
Fanning said Mr. Mathews, who taught her science and math at West Haven High School, had an incredible impact on her. She credits him with seeing something in her that she felt nobody else at the school saw. When he believed she was not in the right level for math, he advocated for her to be moved, an experience that stayed with Fanning long after she graduated.
“Over the years, each time I contemplated not finishing my degree, I thought of Mr. Mathews and how proud he would be,” Fanning said. “And finally, when I decided to enroll in a doctorate program two years ago, once again I did it knowing how proud he would be to know how far I have come.”
Fanning’s educational journey took place over many years while she balanced school with a full-time career. Along the way, she attended the University of New Haven, North Carolina Wesleyan University, and East Carolina University, accumulating a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a master’s degree in Instructional Technology. She is currently continuing her education at Marymount University, where she is working toward her doctorate in Educational Leadership and Organizational Innovation.
Professionally, Fanning has spent decades working in the learning and leadership development space. Her work focuses on helping organizations bring out the best in their people, working across leadership development, learning, workforce strategy, and organizational effectiveness. Through that work, she helps organizations ensure their people have the skills, support, and environment they need to succeed.
Fanning hopes her experience can encourage students and graduates who may not believe college is possible for them because of their grades, finances, or other responsibilities. Her own path did not follow a traditional timeline, but she continued working toward her goals while balancing the demands of work and education. “Don’t be afraid to do the hard work, even if that means working during the day and going to school at night,” Fanning said.
She also encourages students to think beyond what they believe is immediately possible. “Dream big, don’t put limitations on yourself and your dreams!” Fanning said. Her own educational journey is an example of what can happen when someone continues pursuing a goal, even when the path takes longer than expected.
And then there’s the TEDx stage. You know those popular TED Talk videos? Well, West Haven High School’s own Kimberly Fanning has given one too. During her time as Mrs. Connecticut (just another accomplishment to add to the list!), Fanning gave a TEDx talk focused on rising above adversity and the ability to overcome life’s challenges.
From going straight into the workforce after high school to earning multiple degrees and pursuing a doctorate, Fanning has continued to push herself toward new goals. Her story reflects the value of staying committed to your goals, even when the path to reaching them takes longer or looks different than expected.