In celebration of Women’s History Month, we are honored to spotlight Kimberly Ingram, the inspirational Vice President of Operations and Finance at Bridge the Gap (BTG). Kimberly’s journey is one of remarkable dedication and passion for educational equity and empowerment, making her an exemplary figure in our community.
Kimberly Ingram stands as a testament to what fierce dedication to educational equity can achieve. Raised with the belief that education is an inalienable right, she has channeled this conviction into a fruitful career, culminating in her pivotal role at BTG. With a rich background in operations, finance, and entrepreneurship, including a business degree from Loyola University in Chicago, and a masters from the prestigious HBCU, Bowie State University, Kimberly has dedicated the last three years to ensuring BTG not only thrives as a financially responsible organization but also as a nurturing environment for both its staff and the students it serves.
Growing up in Chicago, Kimberly’s own experiences as a participant in the Inroads program, which prepared Black and Brown students for college internships, left a lasting impact. These early experiences ignited her commitment to creating paths for underserved youth to envision and achieve success. At BTG, she embodies this commitment, serving as a living example of leadership that reflects the community we serve. “It’s very important that our students see people who look like them in leadership positions,” Kimberly reflects, echoing the wisdom of her grandfather, “You can’t be what you can’t see.”
Today, Kimberly is instrumental in cultivating a culture of excellence and inclusivity at BTG, ensuring that the organization not only attracts but retains top talent who share a commitment to our mission. Under her guidance, BTG proudly boasts that 67% of our staff are women, a testament to her influence and our collective effort towards diversity and empowerment.
BTG staff Keanna Patague-Ward, Cat Tong, and Maria Eriksson at Dr. MLK Jr. Academy Elementary Campus.
The impact of Kimberly’s leadership is evident in the remarkable achievements of our students, particularly the class of 2022-2023, which saw 100% of our 12th graders graduate high school—a milestone that speaks volumes about the dedication of our program team, carefully assembled and nurtured under Kimberly’s stewardship.
Kimberly’s commitment also extends to ensuring that BTG staff are compensated with competitive wages in one of the country’s most expensive regions, the Bay Area. This not only demonstrates her concern for the well-being of our team but also her deep understanding of the socio-economic challenges they face, reinforcing her role as a compassionate and effective leader.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, Bridge the Gap is immensely proud to recognize Kimberly Ingram’s extraordinary contributions. Her story is a beacon of inspiration, illustrating the profound impact of women in leadership who are devoted to lifting others and paving the way for future generations.
