Kim Delevett

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