Dr. K Renee Horton is a compelling, international and inspirational speaker who brings her epic personal story, expertise, and incredible personality to each of her presentations.  She is an advocate for diversity and inclusion in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), and works diligently in the community for STEM education and STEM outreach. Renee believes in changing the face of STEM. She is the founder of Unapologetically Being, Inc., a nonprofit for advocacy and mentoring in STEM.

She is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana and is a graduate of Louisiana State University with an Electrical Engineering BS and holds a Ph.D. in Material Science with a concentration in Physics from the University of Alabama, as the first African American to receive this degree.  In her day job, she serves as a NASA Quality Engineer at Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF) in New Orleans. Throughout her career, Renee has received numerous accolades and awards including the Black Engineer of the Year Trailblazer Award in 2011, a NASA Space Fight Team Award and a NASA Center Level Appreciation Honor Award in 2019. Renee also serves on the board of Lighthouse Louisiana, whose mission is to empower people with disabilities through services, employment, and advocacy.

Renee was named a 2019 Louisianian of the year featured in the Louisiana Life magazine.  She was honored in a group of nine individuals who stand out in their professions, give back and represent what’s best about Louisiana.  In 2021 Renee was named the Gulf Coast Organization Legacy Award honoree and was inducted into the LSU Alumni Hall of Distinction.

She is the author of Dr. H Explores the Universe, a children’s series and a book of poetry being rereleased in 2022, entitled Sanctum of My Soul. Her third book in the series, Dr H Explores the Universe – A visit to the Moon was released in 2021 and all three books can be purchased at Amazon.

Horton has three children – Eric Horton, Malik Horton, and Denise Whitmore – and two grandchildren, Gabriel and Dayten.