The month of March is a time for celebration, empowerment, and recognition of women around the world. As a Women Owned Business, Waldner’s is thrilled to honor this occasion by shining a spotlight on the remarkable women leaders within our industry.
Throughout March, our ‘Women’s History Month Spotlight Series’ will feature various women making transformative strides in our field. Each spotlight will offer a glimpse into the inspiring journeys of these remarkable individuals.
Our next spotlight is on Kimberly Chin, Senior Interior Designer at the DLR Group.
1. What is the proudest moment in your career journey thus far?
“Navigating being a working mother is no easy feat, but setting an example for my two children makes it all worth it. As a mother, I want to empower my son to support the women in his life and encourage them to chase their dreams. And for my daughter, I want her to know that with hard work and passion, she can have it all. It’s important to show our children that they can achieve their goals, no matter what obstacles they may face.”
Kimberly Chin at work
2. Share a challenge you have faced in your career and how you overcame it.
“Early in my career, I was a casualty of the 2009 recession. To make ends meet, I took up bartending and barista work and even worked as a residential intern for free to continue to grow as a designer. It was a challenging time, but looking back, it was one of the most rewarding points of my career. This experience taught me that a true designer can evolve their art in so many ways beyond what they were taught in school. In fact, I grew more within that year than I would have if I was just working in a regular company. It forced me to prioritize my development, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to have learned so much during that time.”
3. What advice would you give to the next generation of women in the workplace?
“Progress over perfection. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of perfection. But the truth is, you cannot control everything. Instead, focus on progress and enjoy the ride. Stay flexible and true to who you are. Prioritize yourself and your needs. Remember to be brave, use your voice, and trust the process. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it.”
