VOICES Feature:

CouncilWomxn Kimberly Warmsley

The Stockton Younger Women’s Task Force works to amplify and uplift the voices of women in Stockton. We share interviews with amazing women who are making a difference in our community on our website, social media, and in our email newsletters.

To nominate a woman to be featured (or yourself!), complete this form!

CouncilWomxn Kimberly Warmsley

Mother, Advocate, Champion for the rights of those who often are unnoticed, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Businesswomxn, District 6 City Councilwomxn

Interviewed February 6, 2021

What do you do? Tell us a little about yourself and your work.

I am a mother, an advocate, a champion for the rights of those who often are unnoticed, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a businesswomxn and District 6 City Councilwomxn. It is an honor of a lifetime to represent the community where I grew up in, live in and love. I own my own emotional wellness practice (Kimberly Warmsley’s Therapeutic and Trauma Services) where I provide clinical services and empowerment. I absolutely enjoy spending time training and mentoring the next generation of Licensed Clinical Social Workers.

I am the Senior Project Coordinator for Reinvent South Stockton. My primary responsibilities include Shared Trust and Safety, Parks Activation and Health and Wellness. It is beyond an honor to advocate for policies and innovative solutions to heal South Stockton. 

In my spare time I enjoy Stockton’s rich culinary options. There’s nothing like enjoying tacos from the variety of taquerias, taco trucks and soul food restaurants. South Stockton is also home to great Thai, Filipino and Chinese cuisine.

What inspired you to do the work that you do?

Any womxn who dares to challenge the inequities in this work, who dares to challenge the status quo, who dares to be the vessel of the unheard is exactly the womxn that we need in leadership. It is the trials and the pain that womxn face on a daily basis that makes us unique. 

It is the essence of my work as a mother, as a champion, as an advocate and City Councilwomxn. I stand on the shoulders of so many strong womxn who paved the way for me. This is what both inspires and empowers me to want to make a difference in my community. 

I remember when I received my LCSW license, without reluctance or hesitation I immediately began to strategize how I could be a part of the solution in healing our community. My passion and drive for being a part of the solution continues to be the essence or driving force in championing policies and interventions to address trauma, poverty, systemic racism and ensure equity for all.

What are some of the barriers, challenges, or issues that women in Stockton face that you want to highlight?

The challenges that womxn face are all so tiresome, traumatic and grueling. Oftentimes we are underpaid, undervalued, underappreciated or not appreciated at all. Often we are told we are not deserving, are inadequate, not qualified and/or “it’s not our time”. 

It is because of these false perceptions and mere ignorance that many womxn struggle with imposter syndrome or the false narrative that we are not deserving of advancement, higher pay, to run for office or apply for higher positions. Womxn are often paid less than men; subsequently women of color are paid an even lesser amount. Pay inequities happen every day even if womxn have more educational experience, work experience or professional development. 

It is more crucial and critical than ever that we love each other, empower each other and create solutions to effective impact change. 

To the womxn in Stockton, to the feminist to the young womxn here, I love you and support you 100 percent.

What do you do to treat yourself? Any self-care recommendations to share with other women?

First and foremost, we as womxn must recognize that self-care is not selfish. The concept of self-care refers to taking personal responsibility for one’s physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual health. Be your biggest fan and champion to ensure that you are investing in your time, space and health/wellness. It’s okay to spend time by yourself, be okay with setting limits and telling people NO. 

Invest in a routine and/or schedule to love and protect your peace. Ensure you are taking care of yourself. Eat your greens, drink your water, exercise, listen to music, meditate, yoga and take naps. Love on yourself, compliment yourself, welcome a good cry, treat yourself, live and love yourself hard. 

What can people do to support and get involved in your work? 

I would love to mentor you, empower you, support your cause, turn your pain to power, amplify your truths, be a sister and good sibling. You can reach out to me personally by calling me at 209 905 8809. You can also visit my websites at either:

I am only a phone call away. I would love any support and assistance in healing our community and ensuring that our community has a solid foundation for decades to come.

Anything else you want to share with our newsletter list?

Eleanor Roosevelt once eloquently said, “a well behaved womxn rarely makes history.” Together we can ensure equity and endless opportunity not only for young womxn in our community, but for all womxn in all communities. 

Thank you for everything you do for our community, Kimberly!

Get Email Updates