Kimberly Penn is a technology management, risk mitigation and security executive,
educator, and serial entrepreneur based in Houston, Texas. She currently serves as
Chief Problem Solver of Webtropolis, where she oversees compliance, risk auditing, and technological innovation for local,
state, national and global organizations. She has clients in across Texas, multiple
states including Washington-DC, Canada, Mexico, Poland, and Dubai. Her expertise bridges
information technology, risk management, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things,
project
management, aviation and entrepreneurship.
Ms. Penn’s leadership extends across multiple industries, including education, defense, and emerging technologies. As Chief Executive Officer of Professor Drones, she serves as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) specializing in hazmat and pipeline inspections, STEM content and training expert, including integrating AI and aviation safety.
She serves as the Entrepreneur-in-Residence for the College of Business at Grambling State University. Additionally, Ms. Penn is a dedicated educator at San Jacinto College, Houston City College, and Lone Star College, teaching courses in technology, entrepreneurship, sociology, criminal justice, and unmanned aerial/robotic/maritime drone technologies.
Her philanthropic and community building work includes Techpak Founder, a STEM/STEAM initiative serving over 1200 K–12 students annually across Greater Houston. She also has or serves on national and global boards including GTIA.
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 double Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Computer Information Systems from Houston Christian University.
FedTech Coach
NavalX Crucible Coach
National Security Innovation Network (NSIN) Foundry Mentor
Homeland Security Startup Studio Mentor
Long-standing role as a Defense coach
Webtropolis, Chief Problem Solver (1993–Present): Leads enterprise technology strategy, network design, and compliance auditing for major organizations. Implements HIPAA and FERPA standards and drives digital transformation initiatives.
Professor Drones, Chief Executive Officer (2015–Present): Develops AI-driven aviation safety programs; directs UAS-based infrastructure and hazmat inspection initiatives.
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.
Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Houston City College (2019–Present): Builds student and community entrepreneurship pipelines; advises institutional leadership on innovation strategy.
Founder, Techpak: Established a STEM/STEAM education program serving more than 1200 underserved K–12 students annually across Houston.
Moderated or participated on panels specific to Artificial Intelligence (AI), Emerging Technology, Innovation, Brave Spaces, Entrepreneurship, Effective Communication, The Art of Saying No, Risk Mitigation & Strategies, Aerospace, Unmanned (Uncrewed) Aerial Systems (UAS), and Aviation for leading organizations including The Society of Exploration Geophysicists, Canadian Advanced Air Mobility, Commercial UAV Expo, CompTIA, Women and Drones @ Consumer Electronic Show, Drone Deploy, Skydio, Federal Aviation Administration, National League of Cities, National Black Caucus, Western University and more.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Large Language Models (LLMs) in Aviation Safety and Risk
Management
Emerging Technologies in Autonomous Flight Systems
Cybersecurity, HIPAA, and FERPA Risk Compliance
Technology and Ethics in Education and Business
Emerging Technologies in Aerospace
Entrepreneurship and Innovation Ecosystems in Higher Education
STEM/STEAM Educational Access for under resourced communities
Defense Mentor – Recognized for Leadership and Service in Technology and Compliance
2021 showcase winner for the Homeland Security Startup Studio (HSSS)
Recognized as Faculty of the Term (3x), Faculty of the Year (2010), and National Faculty of the Year (2010) - Recognized for Excellence in Teaching and Innovation
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Community Health Leaders Nominee (2008)