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Kim Delevett
National Community Outreach Lead Southwest Airlines (Ret.); DE&I Champion; Corporate Social Responsibility & Sustainability Strategist; Public Speaker; Youth Advocate
Kim Delevett is a Vietnamese American woman with a remarkable life story and professional background. She is currently working as a Senior Consultant in a self-employed capacity since September 2020.2
Background
Kim was born in Saigon, Vietnam during wartime with the birth name Phan Kim Phuong. In April 1975, just days before the fall of Saigon, she fled Vietnam at the age of three along with her brother and three cousins.1 They were evacuated with the help of an American named Jim Smith and eventually made their way to the United States through refugee camps.1
Personal Journey
After being adopted by her foster parents in 1981, Kim became a U.S. citizen in 1986.1 For much of her early life, she focused on assimilating into American culture. However, in college, she began to reconnect with her Vietnamese heritage, which led her on a journey to rediscover her roots and family history.15
Professional Career
Prior to her current role as a Senior Consultant, Kim had a long and successful career in public affairs:
- She worked at Southwest Airlines for 24 years, most recently as a National Community Outreach Lead.3
- In her role at Southwest, she partnered with nonprofit, business, and civic organizations in Northern California.4
Current Focus
After her extensive career in public affairs, Kim is taking a sabbatical to write a book.2 She is also known as a DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) advocate and storyteller.6
Personal Life
Kim lives in San Jose, California.1 She is a mother and has named her son James Phan Delevett, partially in honor of Jim Smith, the man who helped her family escape Vietnam.1
Highlights
Last week, Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS) held its Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA & NH/PI) Heritage Month events. To kick off the signature Annual Awards Gala, President Biden delivered the keynote address. APAICS awarded Congresswoman Judy Chu, writer-director Adele Lim, Papa Ola Lōkahi, and Former United States Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta for their impact and roles as leaders and trailblazers within the AA & NH/PI community.
The two-day Legislative Leadership Summit panels and plenaries discussed important topics including data disaggregation, AI, the upcoming 2024 election, the environment, and mental health, to name a few. Vice President Kamala Harris participated in a powerful fireside chat, moderated by actor, writer, and comedian Jimmy O. Yang.
Thank you Madalene Mielke, Susan Jin Davis, APAICS family (staff, board, advisory council, sponsors and supporters) for keeping alive the vision of founders former Secretary Norm Mineta and former Congressman Robert Underwood. APAICS continues to lead dialogue and action to increase AA & NH/PI participation and representation in the political process.
Heartbroken 💔 I never wanted this day to come. I started at Southwest Airlines when I was a kid. For over 24 years, Mother Colleen was there for my highs and lows and was responsible for a few unforgettable surprises. I’m forever grateful for Colleen’s servant leadership, lessons, and LUV. She brought out our best.
My heart goes out to her family and all who were touched by her light. I’m happy she’s home and playing with “Uncle Herbie” now.❤️💙💛 #QueenofHearts #GoldenRule #Culture #LUV
