Kimberly Dunlap

Business mentor, Change agent, Connector, Educator/Teacher, Engineer, Idea generator, Investor, Parent, Project manager

I am a divisional improvement champion for Avery Dennison’s Label and Graphic Materials division. In this role I create a culture of problem solving and accountability for the organization through training, coaching, and project mentorship. What I really enjoy about this role is cultivating relationships and seeing our employees grow in their personal and professional development. I am a certified Six Sigma Black Black and Project Management Professional. I have been in improvement roles for over 10 years of my career. My goal is to transfer these skills into one day becoming our organization’s Chief Learning Officer.

I am passionate about learning, serving and growing in all I do. Data-driven approach enhanced with a coach and growth mindset that is focused on improving customer satisfaction. Recognized by peers as candid, critical and fair. Recognized as a results-focused leader who sets ambitious, achievable goals and empowers employees to meet all deliverables with excellence. Well versed in leading and positively influencing cross-functional project teams and task forces.

Coaching, Diversity & Inclusion, ERG Management, Improvement, Lean, Organization, Project Management, Six Sigma, Strategy, Time Management

I started listening to TEDx talks years ago and have learned so much from each that I listen to but one has come full circle. I remember listening to Sheryl Sandberg discuss on the TED stage “Why we have too few women leaders” and I was moved. I liked the way she discussed this issue with data, stories and relevancy. A few years later I read her book and attempted some of her strategies. Although I liked this book, at some point it got put on a shelf to sit for the next few years. In 2017, my company started a women’s ERG, called Elevate based on the LeanIn model of circles. I joined a co-ed circle at my company as I believe it is good to get diverse and uncomfortable perspectives to move personal thought and overall objectives forward. When the founder of this ERG retired, she asked me to lead the group. I didn’t realize how many times through my life this first Sheryl Sandberg TEDx talk would weave its way through what I do. I believe it will continue to occur in ways I still don’t understand but I love being open to that learning, curiosity and growth that can come from one TED talk. I continue to look for new or diverse TED topics for this reason.

Art - I was really thinking about going to college for art instead of engineering and my house has many of my original artwork up for display. Since becoming a mom, I have much of my kids artwork up too - special pieces of theirs get matted and framed or put in Itoya books even though they are only 8 and 10.