Serving Her Country, Mentoring Tomorrow’s STEM Leaders: Booz Allen’s Kimberly Page
As a fourth-generation Japanese-American and a third-generation Chinese-American, Kimberly Page didn’t initially picture herself at the Naval Academy. At the time, Asian women represented less than one percent of the student body. But she was encouraged by her family and her mentors.
“My Japanese-American high school career counselor introduced me to the idea of pursuing a degree at a military academy,” she said. “Then a Japanese-American retired Air Force colonel made an exception for me to join a Boy Scout Explorer Post focused on military academies and mentored me through the application process.”
“Pack lightly”
Page’s undaunted attitude served her well for life after the Academy.
During her final weeks of training in surface warfare, the Commander of the USS John S. McCain gave her succinct instructions: “We need you here next week for a short exercise. Pack lightly.”
That “short exercise” was an extended deployment to the Persian Gulf, where she launched missiles in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Page continued her service abroad on the USS John S. McCain as the communications officer, managing the ship’s external communications and IT networks.
When a back injury prevented her from continuing her Navy service, she joined Booz Allen. After 15 years, two children, and five moves as a military spouse, she’s a chief systems engineer supporting the firm’s Navy/Marine Corps account.
Helping others “build the right system”
Throughout, Page is committed to sharing her knowledge with others. She leads the firm’s International Council on Systems Engineering systems engineering professional certification process and teaches the Certified Systems Engineering Professional prep course.
“I enjoy mentoring future generations of technical talent by helping them understand systems thinking—not just how to build the systems right but also to build the right systems.”
Page’s client delivery and mentorship work recently earned her the 2019 Military Service Award from the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers.
On the job and in the community, “I’m changing the world by tackling complex challenges,” she said.
Read more about Kimberly Page and how Booz Allen supports veterans and military families.
