Kimberly Young-McLear, Ph.D. served in the United States Coast Guard from 2003 to 2023.
In 2014, Commander Young-McLear became a whistleblower when she reported gross and unlawful misconduct within the U.S. Coast Guard. Her extensive years of whistleblowing have shown extraordinary courage – including as a State of the Union guest of honor and publicly testifying on Capitol Hill – she exposed systemic abuses of power at the highest levels of the Coast Guard revealing loopholes and disregard to how sexual assault, bullying, harassment, discrimination, retaliation cases are handled. Because of her bravery, Commander Young-McLear’s advocacy has resulted in more than 30 policy improvements across the Coast Guard making the Coast Guard better reflect of U.S. values and increasing compliance with anti-harassment and anti-discrimination laws.
She is a staunch advocate for mental health resources for veterans. She aspires to continue her advocacy beyond the federal government, combatting injustices that plague our communities and society. She is passionate about blending art and music into her healing and activism practices.