Former WISD Board Member inducted into Texas Women's Hall of Fame

Through her trailblazing military service as an aviation leader, commander and patriot Kimberly D. Olson, Colonel (retired) United States Air Force has reshaped the perception of women serving their country. Today, as she works in the nonprofit sector to transform the lives of female veterans, Olson is also a published author who dedicates her book’s proceeds to supporting veterans.

Olson’s 25 years in uniform encompassed a time of great change. She was part of the first generation of female military pilots, eventually accumulating nearly 4,000 hours of flying time—from instructing in supersonic jets to maneuvering a 300,000-pound multi-engine aircraft in combat.  As one of the first women to command an operational flying squadron, Olson rose to the rank of Colonel, served in the Pentagon on the Joint Staff, Office of the Secretary of Defense, and the Air Staff and deployed to several combat zones, including Iraq. 

After her military retirement in 2005, Olson entered the field of public education. By 2007 she was the Director of Human Resources for Dallas Independent School District, the second largest in Texas. In that same year she was elected to the Weatherford Independent School District Board of Trustees, which in 2009 was recognized as the Texas Outstanding Board of the Year. 

In 2010 Olson began three years of service in the Texas State Guard (TXSG) as a Colonel leading both the IT and personnel system at TXSG Headquarters. In this volunteer position, she utilized her expertise to prepare and train the 2,300 all-volunteer military forces to assist state and local authorities in times of natural or manmade disasters such as hurricanes and fires. 

Today, Olson is CEO/President of Grace After Fire, a Texas-based nonprofit. Since 2010, her team has helped over 5,300 female veterans find employment, access mental and physical health providers, and conduct peer to peer network training.

Olson experienced first-hand the human heartbreak that is war and advocates for appropriate research, funding and care for women in the military.  She was instrumental in convincing Texas legislators to pass legislation marking March as Women Veteran’s Month from 2011 to 2020. 

Military women are now critical to the defense of this nation, due in part to Olson’s dedication and commitment to equality. With her service both in and out of the military, Olson exemplifies the Texan who is making a difference and a lasting contribution to the great state of Texas. 

The Governor’s Commission for Women established the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame in 1984 to honor the remarkable achievements of Texas women while sharing their stories of great determination and innovation.  The biennial awards highlight Texas women who have made significant contributions, often despite great odds.  Nominations are submitted from across the state and reviewed by a panel of judges.  Past honorees include first ladies, Olympic athletes, and astronauts.