SELF-AWARENESS

10 QUESTIONS
First Lady
Kimberly Eaton

Introduction:

We met while working as part-timers at the Henry Wade Juvenile Detention Center. Keeping the intake area running smoothly during visitations and preventing riots, we always made time to catch up.

I noticed immediately: Kim is a strong, educated, and dignified woman of God! She taught me valuable lessons. All of which I use today. Seeing her navigate life as a First Lady is a full circle moment!

1. Who Are You?

I am an accomplished woman who was raised and encouraged by Christian parents. They raised me to be everything that God wanted me to be. I was born and raised in Houston, Texas. I completed high school in the City of Houston. I graduated from Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, Texas with a B.S. degree in Criminal Justice. I retired after twenty years from the State of Texas.

Later, I received a Master’s in Christian Education with three concentrations in Women’s Ministry, Christian School Education, and Steward Leadership. I graduated from Southwestern Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas.

I have been a part of many organizations. I am currently the President of the Eta Xi Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, I have been a member for twenty-six years.

I currently serve as the 4th Congressional District Chair of the Oklahoma Democrat Party. My area of service includes fifteen counties in Southern Oklahoma.

I am married to Dr. Michael Eaton who is the Senior Pastor of the Bethlehem Baptist Church in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma. We have resided and served in the ministry in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma for seventeen years.

2. How comfortable are you talking about your feelings and with whom?

I am very comfortable talking about my feelings with my close friends and my husband.

3. What is your definition of happiness?

My definition of happiness is living my life unapologetically. This is what I have done all my adult life. I do what makes me happy as long as it is not hurting anyone or immoral. Although I am married, my husband has never tried to restrict me from doing things that make me happy.

I have always had employment where I had a large amount of independence in my schedule. I have always loved to “GO” anywhere even as a child. Traveling makes me very happy.

4. What positive qualities do you bring into your close relationships?

The positive quality that I bring to a close relationship is loyalty.

I am a very caring person. I am problem solver, and I am full of wisdom.

5. In what ways are you contributing to your family, organization, or community?

I contribute wisdom and knowledge to my family. I also demonstrate leadership in the life that I live in front of my family. I contribute leadership and a willingness to serve in my organizations and community.

6. What could you give a 30-minute speech on without preparation?

I could give a 30-minute speech on living your best life as a servant in the Kingdom of God.

7. When people come to you to ask for help, what do they usually ask for?

The people who come to me for help are usually dealing with work-related issues as well as relationship issues with family and friends and their significant others.

8. What challenges have you faced in the past that you’re proud of overcoming?

I have faced many challenges. However, navigating a world dominated by male influences in the military as an officer was one of the greatest challenges I overcame. I was once told by my Caucasian male training officer while in ROTC that I had three strikes against me. He said that I was black, female, and I was attractive.

He said that white male officers and soldiers would find it very intimidating to be around me as a black female officer. This stayed in my mind. I came face to face with several challenges just because of these attributes while being in the military.

9. When was the last time you felt empowered?

The last time that I felt empowered is right now in the present. I am the 4th District Chair of the Oklahoma Democrat Party. I view this leadership responsibility as an honor and a privilege. I am at the forefront of effecting change in our political system where we are surrounded by people who are on the other side of our political views.

The State of Oklahoma is entrenched with views that are not in support of the average person’s living conditions, economic problems, or cultural concerns. People live in fear of retribution in this state because of their democratic views. This is a real problem in our state.

10. What accomplishments are you most proud of?

This year, I was able to host a host conference for pastor’s wives, minister’s wives, and widows. My hope and dream is that it can be a safe place for these women. I affectionately called the “God’s Treasured Possessions”. The ultimate goal is for these women to retreat while growing spiritually to support their husbands in the ministry.

The final goal is that they return to their respective homes with practical solutions that can enhance their lives.