Biography
Kimberly Penn is a technology management executive, educator, and entrepreneur based in Houston,
Texas. She currently serves as President of Webtropolis, where she oversees compliance, risk auditing, and technological innovation for organizations
exceeding $30 million in valuation. Her expertise bridges information technology,
risk management, artificial intelligence (AI), uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), and
entrepreneurship.
Ms. Penn’s leadership extends across multiple industries, including education, defense,
and emerging technologies. As CEO of Professor Drones, she serves as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) specializing in hazmat and pipeline inspections, integrating AI and aviation safety.
She also serves as Chief Strategist for Women and Drones, driving global strategic initiatives and leading expansion into 44 countries within
20 months.
As Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Houston Community College, she strengthens Houston’s innovation ecosystem through mentoring, program design,
and strategic advising to the Chief Entrepreneur Officer and Associate Vice Chancellor.
Additionally, Ms. Penn is a dedicated educator at San Jacinto College, Houston Community College, and Lone Star College, teaching courses in technology, entrepreneurship, sociology, criminal justice, and
emerging drone technologies.
Her entrepreneurial and community leadership includes founding Techpak, a STEM/STEAM initiative serving over 800 K–12 students annually in underserved Houston
communities.
Ms. Penn holds a Master of Science in Technology Management from Georgetown University, a Master of Arts in Sociology from the University of Houston, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Computer Information Systems from Houston Baptist University.
Professional Contributions
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Webtropolis, President (1993–Present):
Leads enterprise technology strategy, network design, and compliance auditing for
major organizations. Implements HIPAA and FERPA standards and drives digital transformation
initiatives.
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Professor Drones, CEO (2015–Present):
Develops AI-driven aviation safety programs; directs UAS-based infrastructure and
hazmat inspection initiatives.
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Women and Drones, Chief Strategist (2020–Present):
Designed and implemented global expansion strategies; grew the organization’s international
presence to 44 countries in under two years.
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Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Houston Community College (2019–Present):
Builds student and community entrepreneurship pipelines; advises institutional leadership
on innovation strategy.
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Founder, Techpak:
Established a STEM/STEAM education program serving more than 800 underserved K–12
students annually across Houston.
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Higher Education Faculty (2009–Present):
Instructor for multiple technology, sociology, entrepreneurship, and ethics courses.
Recognized as Faculty of the Term (3x), Faculty of the Year (2010), and National Faculty of the Year (2010).
Research & Scholarly Interests
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Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Large Language Models (LLMs) in Aviation Safety and
Risk Management
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Emerging Technologies in Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) and Infrastructure Inspection
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Cybersecurity, HIPAA, and FERPA Risk Compliance
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Technology and Ethics in Education and Business
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Entrepreneurship and Innovation Ecosystems in Higher Education
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STEM/STEAM Educational Access and Equity for Underserved Communities
Honours & Awards
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Faculty of the Term (3x) – Houston Community College
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Faculty of the Year (2010) – Houston Community College
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National Faculty of the Year (2010) – Recognized for Excellence in Teaching and Innovation
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Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Community Health Leaders Nominee (2008)
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Department of Defense Mentor – Recognized for Leadership and Service in Technology and Compliance
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Multiple Community and STEM Education Awards for advancing technology access in underserved communities
