As an Employment Consultant based in our St. Cloud, Minn. office, Kimberly Washington provides individual placement supports, extended employment services and community supports to a wide variety of clients. Her work involves setting employment goals, job search, and job retention efforts, which allow people she supports to develop tools which help them become self-sufficient and lead stable lives.

Washington’s colleagues say she consistently works hard for her clients and teammates in kind and thoughtful ways. “Kimberly is a role model. She has been doing person-centered services for several years and it shows. She has also been very adaptable while onboarding new employees and goes the extra mile to make them feel welcomed at Rise.”

Washington joined Rise eight years ago, after more than a decade of working as an advocate with the Central MN Taskforce on Battered Women and homeless youth at the Emma B Howe YMCA. The unique challenges brought on by serving such a diverse group of people is especially rewarding to her. “Every person we serve is on a different journey, we meet them where they are,” she said.

“She is kind to all who seek her out,” says a colleague. “Kimberly truly strives to see the best in people and encourages them to believe in themselves. She makes them feel empowered and understood.”

Outside of work Washington enjoys singing karaoke, reading , cooking and being a grandmother to two grandchildren, ages 7 and 9. “They keep me young and very busy!” she said.