Growing up in the projects of South Carolina, Dr. Kiki Ramsey’s life was far from comfortable. Raised by a mother who struggled with drug addiction, she was exposed to hardship early on. From a young age, Ramsey sensed that her life had a greater purpose. Despite the challenges of her environment, including the stigma of becoming a teenage mother at 17, Dr. Kiki was committed to creating a better life for herself and her child.
The Power of Love and Support
One of the most significant turning points in Dr. Ramsey’s life was her deep desire to help her mother overcome her addiction. It wasn’t an easy journey, but Dr. Kiki’s love and belief in her mother’s potential sparked something deeper. It was through helping her mother fight her addiction that Dr. Kiki discovered her passion for helping others, especially women, overcome their challenges and live fulfilling lives.
This experience was transformative for her mother. It also shaped the foundation of Dr. Kiki’s purpose. “My drive to understand what made my mother tick led me to want to study human nature and psychology,” she recalls. Her passion for supporting others pushed her to pursue an undergraduate degree in Child and Family Studies, followed by a Master’s in Social Work. These early steps laid the groundwork for her career as a life coach and, eventually, a positive psychologist.
The Birth of a Life Coach
Though her education equipped her with the knowledge to help others, discovering the field of positive psychology aligned her personal experiences with her professional goals. Positive psychology, which focuses on what makes life worth living, became the missing link between Dr. Kiki’s journey and her life’s mission. She returned to school for a Master’s in Positive Psychology Coaching and later earned a PhD in Business Psychology.
While studying for her PhD, Dr. Kiki faced more personal challenges, including becoming pregnant with her third child. Balancing motherhood, entrepreneurship, and academia required immense motivation and determination. But she remained steadfast, fueled by her commitment to helping others rise above their circumstances just as she had done with her mother.
Turning Pain into Purpose
Today, Dr. Kiki Ramsey is a celebrated positive psychologist, life coach, and entrepreneur based in Atlanta. As the CEO of Kiki Ramsey International and the Positive Psychology Coaching and Diversity Institute (PPCaDI), she empowers high-achieving women to live fulfilling lives through positive psychology and personal development. Her work focuses on helping individuals and organizations embrace positive change, from building happy and inclusive workplaces to creating thriving personal lives.
“My purpose became clear when I realized that everything I had gone through wasn’t just for me. It was to help others,” she says. The values she developed in her youth and her deep knowledge of psychology have made her a powerful force in helping women transform their lives.
A Life of Impact
Through her keynote speaking, coaching, and vibrant online community—Thrive Society—Dr. Kiki offers women practical strategies to navigate personal and professional challenges while staying grounded in the principles of positive psychology. Her organizations, including PPCaDI, also work with companies to promote inclusive work environments, showing that positive psychology can enhance both individual well-being and corporate culture.
Looking back at her own journey, Dr. Kiki reflects on the influences that shaped her:
- The resilience of her mother.
- The support of her husband.
- Her inner drive to break free from the circumstances she was born into.
“Family is the heart of my joy. Being with my loved ones—sharing experiences, laughter, and making memories—nourishes my soul and provides a deep sense of fulfillment,” she shares. Together, these experiences have helped her succeed and given her the insight and empathy needed to guide others.
“Purpose is not a destination but a continuous path of growth and contribution.” With every client she helps, every conference she speaks at, and every woman she empowers, Dr. Kiki Ramsey is living proof that no matter where you start, you can always redirect your path.
