Kimberly Lunsford moved to her husband Robert’s hometown 20 years ago and has been a part of the Person County community ever since. She is a proud alumna of North Carolina A&T State University with a degree in Mass Communications. She parlayed her collegiate education into a long career with American Express, but chose to remain in Person County instead of moving with the company when it relocated to another state. This life altering decision turned out to be a blessing in disguise as it prompted her to return to school to earn a Master of Business Administration. A few years later she faced an even greater challenge, breast cancer. She overcame the illness and has since become an ambassador for the foundation, Susan G. Komen. Her story proves that setbacks are really springboards to having a greater impact.

 

Q) What is your career path and what are your proudest achievements?

A) I am currently employed as a Financial Analyst. My career has been in Project Management and Vendor Management. My career accomplishment was being employed with American Express for 18 years prior to the company relocating to another state. During this change in my career I was able to enroll in school full time and obtain my MBA from the University of Phoenix in 2010.

 

Q) What organizations or community endeavors do you participate in?

A) I am a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, which has the purpose of providing community assistance and support through the organization’s numerous established programs. My motivation for being active with my sorority is the opportunity to be part of an entity that can influence educational and economic development in the community in which I live and raise my family.

I also serve as an ambassador for Susan G. Komen and I am a team captain for the yearly Triangle Race for the Cure Walk.  My team’s name is Kim’s Kindred Hearts. I have raised money for the race for about five years, two of which I participated with another team prior to starting my own team. I have also received training from Susan G Komen to represent the organization at health fairs. I’m dedicated to working with the foundation because I am a seven-year breast cancer survivor. HALLELUJAH! While I was fighting cancer and going through treatment it was important for me to learn as much as I could about treatments and help agencies. So I make a great effort to help others and share information.

At my church, New Mt. Zion, I spearheaded Worship In Pink Sunday which has been going strong for three years now. In that service the congregation dresses in pink and a cancer survivor shares their story with the church. The goal is to inspire and encourage those who are in the midst of the fight.

 

Q) Why is it important that women be recognized for their foundational work in our community and our nation?

A) So many times, women are overlooked. But if we celebrate each other then we can motivate each other. And we can be role models for our daughters and other young ladies to show them that the options are endless for their future.

 

Q) What do you envision for the future of Person County?

A) I envision more programs focused on women and girls in the future of Person County. We need to get back to basics with our young ladies and teach etiquette on so many levels. We need to ensure our young girls have respect for themselves and believe that anything is possible.

 

Q) What is your advice for girls and young women who look to you as motivation?

A) My advice to young girls and young women is to be well rounded. Get involved in the community. Explore those things that you have an interest in. And be a leader. Pursue higher education and always have a strong work ethic.