Silicon Valley Team Feature: Kimberly Wright
by Jussara Oliveira Barbosa, MS in Project Management ’25
Kimberly Wright’s journey to her current role at Northeastern University reflects her diverse background and dedication to education. As the Academic Advisor and Program Manager for the College of Engineering (COE) Multidisciplinary Engineering (MGEN) program, she supports students enrolled in MS in Information Systems and MS in Information Systems Bridge. Her career has spanned various educational roles, from teaching Language Arts and Social Studies at the K-12 level to becoming an academic advisor at a private university specializing in technology majors. Kimberly also worked as a reporter and editor, covering politics, public affairs, social justice, and local issues.
With a BA in Journalism, a Minor in South Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, and an MA in English with a Specialization in Rhetoric, Kimberly’s academic credentials are as varied as her professional experiences. While her roots trace back to rural Minnesota, she has made the Bay Area her home for over three decades, embodying the spirit of personal reinvention and cultural exploration. Her academic and professional journey transcends traditional boundaries, reflecting a profound commitment to embracing diverse perspectives and transformative experiences.
Her conversion to Islam during her undergraduate years was more than a spiritual choice — it became a fundamental lens shaping her approach to education, communication, and human connection. Married to a Pakistani electrical engineer, Kimberly seamlessly integrates cross-cultural understanding into her personal and professional life. She and her husband have three children whose experiences inspire her to prioritize empathy, resilience, and lifelong learning.
This remarkable blend of academic rigor, spiritual depth, and multicultural sensitivity defines Kimberly Wright as more than an academic advisor; she is a bridge-builder who transforms individual lives through understanding, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to growth.
Working with COE students brings Kimberly immense satisfaction. She finds their ambition and resilience inspiring. “We are like a real Silicon Valley start-up as we learn by trial-and-error and support each other’s efforts along the way,” she says, describing the dynamic environment in which she and her students thrive. The students’ determination to succeed, especially as they navigate their studies in the heart of Silicon Valley, fuels her passion for her work. Kimberly also values the collaborative nature of her role, expressing gratitude for her colleagues across the Northeastern network, particularly her supervisor Colin Dykes, Assistant Director of Student Services, who lives in Canada and has been a constant source of support.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of her role is helping students balance their academic and personal lives in a demanding environment. Managing the balance between offering enriching events and ensuring academic success is no easy feat, but Kimberly finds it rewarding. Her creativity and adaptability in supporting students far from home are key to her success.
Kimberly’s path to Northeastern was serendipitous. A recruiter contacted her via LinkedIn, sparking an interest in the position. After learning about Northeastern’s commitment to experiential learning and diverse student populations, she knew it was the right fit. Despite not having a technical background, Kimberly leverages her communication and teaching expertise to guide students through their academic and career journeys. Her ability to connect with students and understand their needs is an invaluable strength in higher education.
Among her contributions, Kimberly facilitates a weekly English support workshop for MGEN students, addressing needs from pronunciation and conversation to resume writing and interview preparation. She also incorporates mental health support, ensuring students have resources to manage graduate school stresses. These workshops offer Kimberly an opportunity to learn from her students while supporting their development.
Looking ahead, Kimberly hopes to deepen her understanding of the technologies her students’ study, particularly AI. She also seeks ways to enhance support for international graduate students, recognizing their unique challenges.
Outside of work, Kimberly enjoys gardening, caring for her pets, and spending time with her family. Her household, which includes a turtle, tropical fish, and five cats, reflects her love of diverse life forms and her appreciation for nurturing growth in all its forms. This philosophy extends to her interactions with students, as she encourages them to embrace their unique journeys and timelines.
“It is never too late to accomplish your goals,” she advises. “When students think it is taking too long to complete their graduate degrees and feel left behind, I remind them that I didn’t complete my master’s degree until my children were in high school. We shouldn’t compare ourselves to anyone else because we are all on different journeys, moving at our own pace.”
Kimberly emphasizes the importance of seeking support. “Never be afraid to ask for help, even when it’s embarrassing,” she says. “If we’re afraid to ask questions, it can lead to more mistakes or misunderstandings.” Flexibility, she adds, is crucial. “Our ability to pivot around obstacles or change direction can lead to even better experiences than we could have imagined.”
For women, Kimberly believes, “We can have it all, but maybe not all at the same time. Balancing a career, family, and responsibilities can lead to burnout if we try to do everything at once. We need to prioritize our goals at different stages in life and be at peace with the decisions we’ve made.” Her experience as a Muslim woman wearing a hijab has taught her resilience. “I’ve learned that I can’t control how others see me, but I can control how I react. Over the years, I’ve developed a thicker skin and try not to let occasional stares or comments affect my confidence.”
A firm believer in growth, Kimberly recommends “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” by Carol S. Dweck to anyone looking to cultivate a growth mindset and work in a diverse group. This book, which explores how our attitudes toward learning and intelligence shape success, has profoundly influenced her approach to work and life.
Kimberly’s multifaceted career journey, dedication to student success, and commitment to lifelong learning make her an inspiring figure at Northeastern University. Through her work, she impacts students’ lives, helping them not only excel academically but also navigate the challenges of pursuing graduate education in a new and unfamiliar environment.