Kimberly Shaw
Dignity Health
Las Vegas, NV USA
"if you love something, love it. Don't let anyone rain on your parade—just love doing it."
Career Roadmap
Kimberly's work combines: Medicine, Non-Profit Organizations, and Helping People
See more careers and stories that connect to your interests.
Take Roadmap QuizSkills & Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Vocational
Licensed Vocational Nurse
Vernon Regional Junior College
Bachelor's Degree
Nursing
Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Graduate Degree
Business
Texas Woman's University
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Chief Executive Officer:
Vocational: Licensed Vocational Nurse
Bachelor's Degree: Nursing
Graduate Degree: Business
Learn more about different paths to this careerLife & Career Milestones
I've taken a lot of twists and turns
1.
I was the first kid in my family, on both sides, to go to college and finish college. To me, that was incredible; especially because I did it with three kids.
2.
Then, I worked as a nurse for several years. My husband asked me one time, "How many lives have you saved?" Now looking back, I'm proud of every time I helped save someone's life or made it better.
3.
More recently, I became a CEO of a company. As a woman going up the ranks, it was not an easy path, so I'd say that was a big deal for me.
4.
This past year I was nominated for Women Inspiring Nevada and that was just a huge honor. I was humbled that someone would nominate me for it.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Family:
As a teenager, I told someone in my family I think I want to be a doctor that delivers babies. They would respond, "Think of all the dinners and holidays you'll miss. You'll always get called out."
How I responded:
I think people can discourage you without meaning to. They can sometimes play devil's advocate, and can sometimes rain on your parade a little bit. What I tell people is, if you love something, love it. Don't let anyone rain on your parade, just love doing it. You are going to have tough times, but there is always going to be downsides for everything. Be passionate about what you do, and if you are passionate about what you do, then you are doing the right thing.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
I was a single mom raising three kids as I was going to school and bettering myself.
I had a lot of financial issues. I was on food stamps and government assistance.
I was also a victim of domestic violence and stayed in a home for battered women.