Legacy in Motion: How Dr. Michele Rice-Kirkwood Leads with Resilience, Faith, and Purpose
In a world where leadership is often measured by profit margins and public recognition, Dr. Michele Rice-Kirkwood redefines the standard. For her, leadership is about impact—about lifting others, building with intention, and sowing seeds of transformation in every life she touches.
Born in Akron, Ohio, into a family of entrepreneurs, Dr. Rice-Kirkwood witnessed firsthand how business can be a tool for legacy. Her father, who rose from behind the counter to become a McDonald’s franchise owner, modeled vision, sacrifice, and service. “They showed me that leadership is about creating opportunity for others,” she reflects. Fueled by their example, she eventually became CEO of Rice Enterprises LLC, one of the largest minority-owned McDonald’s franchise organizations in Western Pennsylvania.
But her journey was not without trials. The sudden loss of her father required Dr. Rice-Kirkwood to step into high-stakes leadership while grieving. Later, a lawsuit tested the very foundation of her business. Yet in those crucibles, she found her true strength. “Faith carried me,” she shares. “Those moments didn’t just test me—they transformed me.” Through her consulting firm, Resilient By Design, she now helps leaders navigate similar storms with clarity and conviction.
For Dr. Rice-Kirkwood, accomplishments are not just milestones but mission-driven moments. She led a business that employed thousands, provided over $100,000 in scholarships, and reinvested deeply into communities. More than jobs, she created careers—offering mentorship, promoting from within, and opening doors for those in need of second chances.
This philosophy of servant leadership is grounded in core values: integrity, empathy, resilience, and faith. “People may forget what you achieved, but they’ll never forget how you made them feel,” she says. Every decision is guided by these principles, from corporate strategy to one-on-one mentorship. Her leadership is deeply human—personal, principled, and profoundly impactful.
Mentorship, too, plays a foundational role in her story. Her parents were her earliest guides: her father taught resilience and vision, her mother grace and compassion. Over the years, other mentors have sharpened her voice, challenged her growth, and affirmed her values. “I am the product of those who believed in me,” she says—and now, she becomes that mirror for others.
Through Resilient By Design, Dr. Rice-Kirkwood expands her reach. She coaches entrepreneurs, franchisees, and family-run businesses, helping them build systems and strategies that align with their values. Her work is not just tactical; it’s transformational. “Legacy is not built in a single moment,” she reminds us. “It’s built daily—in how you treat people, make decisions, and live what you believe.”
As a mother and wife, balance is not a myth for Dr. Rice-Kirkwood—it’s a discipline. Mornings begin in prayer and reflection. Fitness, travel, and time with loved ones keep her soul aligned. “True success includes taking care of yourself and the people you love,” she shares, a wisdom hard-won through seasons of sacrifice and overwork.
Looking ahead, Dr. Rice-Kirkwood envisions a future rich in purpose and freedom. She plans to write books, grow her coaching practice, and speak on global stages—all while continuing to inspire others to lead with authenticity, clarity, and impact. “You are not the sum of your failures or circumstances,” she says. “You are a living, moving being who can rewrite your story.”
To emerging leaders, her call is clear: “Start where you are. Lead from your values. And never underestimate the power of showing up with intention.” In a world desperate for substance, Dr. Michele Rice-Kirkwood reminds us that real leadership is quiet, resilient, and anchored in purpose.
About Dr. Michele Rice-Kirkwood
Dr. Michele Rice-Kirkwood is a visionary business leader, resilience coach, and second-generation entrepreneur whose influence spans over 30 years. As CEO of Rice Enterprises LLC, she led one of Western Pennsylvania’s largest minority-owned businesses, employing up to 1,000 individuals and championing workforce development through mentorship and community investment. Following her father’s passing, she continued to build on his legacy while expanding the business’s reach and impact. In 2024, she launched Resilient By Design, a coaching firm dedicated to helping business owners and leaders thrive through clarity, courage, and strategy. Dr. Rice-Kirkwood is also a committed nonprofit and faith-based leader, serving on several boards and initiatives that uplift women and underserved communities. Her honors include the Women of Excellence Award, the Whitney M. Young Service Award, and the Women of Distinction Award. Through every endeavor, she remains committed to building not only businesses—but legacies that last.
