Kym Ward-Gaffney

Just a Matter of Time

Kym is a proud graduate of Howard University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. She continued her education at New York University, Stern School of Business and received an MBA in Marketing and International Business.

Born the oldest of three children to young, married parents, Kym Ward-Gaffney was destined to succeed. After all, she had developed great leadership skills early on in life while helping her mom and dad with her two younger brothers. Her father was 20 and had just graduated from college. Her mother was in college and, at 18, discovered she was pregnant with Kym, who later found herself in many situations as the protector, and second mommy to her siblings. Kym said that she was not at all upset about the responsibility but felt pleased that her parents trusted her to “do the right thing.” She admits that there were times when she did not want the responsibility but knew that her parents needed her. Support was easy to come by in her large family, from her great grandparents, whom she feels blessed to have known, to the countless others who somehow showed support.

Adamant that when families pull together, Kym feels, it establishes and builds your confidence and character because you know others are there to help you when you need it. She continues by saying that a strong family unit makes you want to do well, even if no one comes right out and says it. You are just expected to do well. Perhaps that is why she has always done well in school—it was what her family expected. Her father never believed in giving allowances or monetary rewards for good grades. His philosophy was that he expected that she give her best in everything and if she had needs – he would take care of them.

Kym believes that her father’s approach to education greatly influenced her success in school. She explains that she did well because she applied herself and never expected anything from anyone, and was content in knowing she had done her best. At times, Kym confesses, she struggled with being more disciplined about managing her time. Sometimes she questioned whether she was really studying or just looking over her notes. By the time she graduated from Northwestern High School, she was well prepared for college. Kym is a proud graduate of Howard University where she received her BS in Electrical Engineering. She continued her education at New York University, Stern School of Business and received an MBA in Marketing and International Business.

When asked what drives and inspires her, she responds by saying, “I am driven and inspired by the dream to help my family and others. I want to always be in a position where I feel “full” – full of life, God’s love, good friendships, and I never want to lack. I know that Christ came to give us life more abundantly and this inspires me to know that God wants the best for us.” With a look of peace on her face, she recalls some special words from her mother: “Even in our wildest dreams – God has more that he wants to give us. “ And with gratitude, Kym states, “The thought of being loved like that truly inspires me.”

It is no surprise that Kym’s life is full and rewarding. Her future was destined to be great because a solid foundation was laid thirty-some years ago. Moreover, she expected it to be great. It was just a matter of time. Her career as a Strategist, specifically within Human Resources Strategy, is responsible for her firm’s U.S. Operations. She focuses on creating programs that coach and develop professionals. Kym chose this field because she was well rounded, excelled in math and science and enjoyed working with others. It just so happens that this field pays well; experienced HR employees can earn up to $150,000+, depending on location.

It may sound contrived, but Kym believes the first step to financial success is choosing a field that will offer you the options you want in life. Next, she suggests, you have to feel that you are worthy of having financial success and be willing to work for it. Professional success for her is about having a vision, changing the vision from time to time, and dreaming bigger. Relationships are the most important resource that will help you achieve what your heart desires. Treat people better than what you have experienced. They will respect you and support you.

Her vision for tomorrow is simply learning to choose “PEACE” in her life. In a somber tone, she explains, “We can get so caught up in the next plan, the next whatever – but I am learning to trust that peace can be found in any situation. As long as my tomorrow has peace – then I look forward to the next day.” Recalling the quote, “there is no softer pillow than a clear conscience,” encourages Kym to go to sleep each night feeling that her relationships are intact and that there is no one that she would regret seeing the next day. Her tomorrow is full of dreams that she plans to fulfill, blessings she plans to share and more work she plans to do.

When asked to share the best advice given to her, Kym responded assuredly, “Ask the Lord that whenever someone looks at you that they see more than the exterior but that their heart is touched or moved in a way that they are inspired and attracted to your inner beauty and the spirit of the Lord in you.” This came from her mother. Kym’s translation: When others are looking at what you can’t do or what you don’t have, pray that someone sees the potential of what you can do and you can become. It has worked for me every time – never failed. There have been times when she “should not” have gotten a job or position based on external qualifications but some one gave her an opportunity based on her potential and past performance.

She concluded the interview by sharing some encouraging words: “Never let the disappointments of life make you forget God’s promises. There will be moments when life can be tough, unfair, and disappointing but keep a warrior spirit and know that God will always deliver on what was promised. You can count on these promises being kept.”