Kimberly Michelle Warren
Kimberly Warren, MBA, is a higher education and research operations leader with more than 20 years of experience building student-centered systems that strengthen equity, compliance, and performance. Her career spans admissions, financial aid, and institutional operations, with a focus on improving the adult learner experience through clear processes, strong partnerships, and data-informed decision-making.
As Director of Academic Programs at the Katz School of Science and Health | Yeshiva University, Kimberly supports the development and continuous improvement of graduate programs in emerging fields such as AI, cybersecurity, biotechnology, and data analytics. She collaborates with faculty, program directors, and senior leadership to align academic strategy with institutional goals—bridging day-to-day operations with long-range innovation that supports student success.
Kimberly is also the founder of El Tenny™, an aromatherapy and wellness brand created for people balancing high responsibility with real-life transitions. El Tenny helps people reset through scent-led rituals and intentional self-care—because sustainable leadership requires recovery, clarity, and peace. With El Tenny launching in February, Kimberly brings a unique perspective that connects high-performance work with wellness, routine, and resilience.
A passionate lifelong learner, she is pursuing a PhD in Management with a concentration in Information Systems Management at Walden University. Outside of work, Kimberly enjoys creating candles and incense, blending oils, writing, walking, and volunteering for animal-focused initiatives.
Connect (Personal): LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-warren-10948432/ | Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimberlywarrenoffical/
• Avila University -MBA
• Avila University - BA
• Animal-focused volunteering/support initiatives
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to purpose and persistence—supported by my parents, guided by mentors, and strengthened by every challenge I’ve had to overcome. I keep going because I’m clear on who I’m called to serve and why the work matters.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Be consistent, not perfect. Build credibility through results, document your impact, and never underestimate the power of relationships, preparation, and follow-through.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering my industry to never give up, to seek out a coach or mentor for guidance, and to embrace every opportunity to learn while enjoying the journey. I also encourage them to track their accomplishments, speak up early, and build a strong network of support.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is leading through rapid change—AI disruption, shifting customer and learner expectations, tighter budgets, and higher accountability—while still delivering a high-touch experience. The opportunity is to modernize systems and decision-making with better data, smarter tools, and stronger customer experience design. I see this on both sides of my work: in higher education, improving outcomes through operational excellence; and through El Tenny™, meeting growing demand for wellness products that support stress management, focus, and resilience for high-performing women.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, excellence, and service. I value accountability, faith, and treating people with dignity—building trust through quality work, clear communication, and follow-through. In both my leadership roles and entrepreneurship, I prioritize impact, wellness, and creating environments where people can grow.
Locations
El Tenny LLC™
Elmwood Park, NJ 07407