Kimberly Guadalupe Paredes Fuentes

Kimi was born in Sacramento and raised in Bakersfield, California, before heading to UCLA to pursue her dreams of attending medical school. She was always driven by a passion to help lower-income and POC families, and throughout her life, she remained dedicated to advocating for those who faced injustice. Known for her vibrant personality, Kimi was a funny, real, and honest soul who never hesitated to speak her truth. Her ability to connect with others on a deep level, listening intently and offering thoughtful support, made her a cherished friend and confidant.

Kimi's interests were wide-ranging, from her love of Animal Crossing and Korean Dramas to her devotion to skincare and makeup. She adored her furbaby, Mocha, and cherished simple moments, like going for walks and spending time at home, curating the perfect space she always wanted as a child. Her time in Bel-Air as a personal assistant allowed her the freedom to live life on her terms, even as she worked toward her dream of entering medical school. She was actively in the application process, with hopes of starting a new chapter in her academic and professional life. A proud graduate of UCLA in 2016 with a B.S. in Biology, Kimi later taught a few lectures at UCLA and acted as a mentor to first-generation students, helping them find a safe space where they could feel seen and heard.

Kimi was an avid traveler, visiting places like Canada, South America, and Europe, often alongside her partner and loved ones. Above all, Kimi was deeply devoted to her family. She is survived by her loving family members: her parents, Adalid Fuentes and Abel Paredes; her brothers, Leo and Jose Paredes; her partner of 12 years, Gio Gutierrez, and their son, Mocha Paredes; and her soul sister/best friend, Miriam Juarez.

Kimi always had a way with words and was a beautiful poet. She had an incredible ability to express her raw thoughts and emotions, capturing her feelings in a way that resonated with those who heard or received letters from her. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to know her.