D. Carleen Ryon-Kemp

Carleen Ryon Kemp brings a wealth of unconventional experience, humor, and practicality to the panel. A countrywoman with deep roots in hard work and customer service, she credits her parents for instilling these values early in life. Initially dreaming of a career as a seamstress and fashion designer, Carleen managed a retail fabric store before taking an unexpected turn—literally—into the driver’s seat of an eighteen-wheeler. For over two decades, she crisscrossed the United States and Canada hundreds of times, transporting everything from everyday items like toilet paper to highly specialized cargo such as explosives and rocket fuel.

Carleen’s passion for writing began in 1999, culminating in her first novel in 2004. She paused her writing ambitions to pursue higher education, earning both her BBA and eMBA Cum Laude from Strayer University while working full-time. Today, Carleen serves as a Business Outreach Representative for Bishop Companies, headquartered in Goldendale, Washington. She is also a DEQ-certified maintenance provider for onsite systems in Oregon and is often described as a “Jill of Most Trades.” A respected voice in traditionally male-dominated industries, Carleen exemplifies how embracing change, determination and leveraging past experience can lead to fulfilling career opportunities.