When Dr. Michele Rice-Kirkwood speaks, she doesn’t just share stories—she shapes destinies. As a visionary businesswoman, coach, and community leader, Dr. Rice-Kirkwood has long recognized that words are more than communication; they are instruments of empowerment. Through decades of entrepreneurial leadership and mentorship, her voice has echoed in boardrooms, community centers, and classrooms—carrying with it the strength of resilience, the power of legacy, and the unwavering belief that lives can be transformed through purpose-driven speech.
Dr. Rice-Kirkwood’s journey into public speaking was never just about standing on stages—it was about standing in the gap for others. “After losing my father, I had to step into leadership not just for the business, but for my family and my team,” she reflects. Her ability to articulate vision through grief and uncertainty became the bedrock of her communication style—rooted in authenticity, calm, and clarity. As the CEO of Rice Enterprises LLC, overseeing up to 16 McDonald’s restaurants, her words became a compass for hundreds of employees seeking direction and hope.
What distinguishes Dr. Rice-Kirkwood is not only the eloquence of her delivery but the substance behind it. She speaks from lived experience—navigating the nuances of family business, community revitalization, and leadership through service. Her speeches weave together stories of youth who gained purpose through her mentorship, women who found courage in her transparency, and business owners who discovered clarity through her coaching. “I’ve seen firsthand how a well-timed word can change the trajectory of a person’s life,” she shares.
Among the most profound moments in her speaking career are the intimate sessions she leads under her firm, Resilient By Design. There, Dr. Rice-Kirkwood doesn’t just lecture—she listens, connects, and guides. She uses techniques like storytelling, reflective questioning, and faith-based affirmations to break down barriers and inspire actionable transformation. “My aim is never just to speak to people—but to speak with them, from a place of shared humanity,” she says.
For aspiring speakers, Dr. Rice-Kirkwood offers this wisdom: “Your voice is your vessel. Fill it with truth, compassion, and purpose, and it will carry others to new places.” She encourages readers of The Impactful Words to honor their unique perspectives, trust their journey, and never underestimate the power of a single, well-spoken sentence.
Dr. Rice-Kirkwood continues to balance her roles as a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, demonstrating that personal legacy and public leadership can go hand in hand. Through every keynote, workshop, and heartfelt conversation, she reaffirms that true influence lies not in performance—but in presence.
About Dr. Michele Rice-Kirkwood
Dr. Michele Rice-Kirkwood is a seasoned entrepreneur, speaker, and resilience coach whose impact spans the business, nonprofit, and faith-based sectors. As former CEO of Rice Enterprises LLC, she led one of the largest minority-owned McDonald’s franchise organizations in Western Pennsylvania. Today, through her firm Resilient By Design, she equips entrepreneurs and community leaders with tools for growth, clarity, and legacy-building. Dr. Rice-Kirkwood is a founding board member of THAW and has served on several charitable boards, championing youth development and women’s wellness. Her speaking style blends storytelling, leadership insight, and spiritual grounding, empowering audiences to live and lead with purpose
