When Dr. Michele Rice-Kirkwood stepped into her role as CEO of Rice Enterprises LLC, she didn’t just inherit a family business—she inherited a mission. As a second-generation McDonald’s franchisee and dynamic leader in Western Pennsylvania, Dr. Rice-Kirkwood turned fast-food restaurants into community development hubs, employment pipelines, and mentoring spaces for thousands of individuals. Yet, her story transcends commerce; it’s a global testament to resilience, reinvention, and the enduring power of voice.
For over 30 years, Dr. Rice-Kirkwood has been a steady force—first in business, and now, through her latest venture, Resilient By Design, as a coach and consultant guiding others through personal and professional transitions. Her journey began with the foundational belief that business should do more than profit—it should uplift. This ethos shaped her career, leading her to create scholarship programs, workforce initiatives, and leadership opportunities, particularly for underserved youth and single parents.
Joining Voices on Paper Global was a natural progression for Dr. Rice-Kirkwood. “What drew me in was the platform’s commitment to amplifying voices that often go unheard,” she shares. “It’s not just about writing—it’s about writing with purpose. I saw an opportunity to extend my advocacy beyond my community, to echo stories of resilience and healing across borders.”
In her writing, Dr. Rice-Kirkwood confronts global issues like generational poverty, mental health, and the systemic challenges faced by family-run businesses. Her storytelling blends lived experience with practical insight, often grounded in mentorship, education, and cultural advocacy. “My goal is to offer a blueprint—especially for Black women and entrepreneurs navigating leadership and legacy. I want people to know they’re not alone in their struggle or success.”
Her work fosters cross-cultural dialogue by drawing parallels between global and local narratives of perseverance. “Writing is how I build bridges,” she explains. “When someone from another country resonates with my story of grief, growth, or grit, that’s when the magic happens. That’s when our differences give way to shared humanity.”
Dr. Rice-Kirkwood also addresses the tension between reaching a global audience and staying rooted in one’s identity. “You don’t have to water yourself down to be understood worldwide,” she says. “Authenticity is magnetic. When we speak from the soul, people listen—regardless of geography.”
For emerging global authors, her advice is clear: Lead with impact, not perfection. “Your voice matters—especially when it trembles,” she says. “Write like someone’s healing depends on it. Because it often does.”
As she continues her legacy of service through faith, storytelling, and community engagement, Dr. Rice-Kirkwood remains a fierce advocate for equity and empowerment. Whether mentoring entrepreneurs or penning narratives that challenge the status quo, her mission is resolute: to transform pain into purpose, and platforms into power.
About Dr. Michele Rice-Kirkwood
Dr. Michele Rice-Kirkwood is a resilience coach, author, and entrepreneur with over three decades of experience leading purpose-driven ventures. As former CEO of Rice Enterprises LLC, she managed one of Western Pennsylvania’s largest minority-owned businesses, employing up to 1,000 individuals annually. A community builder at heart, Dr. Rice-Kirkwood has launched workforce initiatives, mentorship programs, and scholarship funds to uplift underserved communities. Today, she is the founder of Resilient By Design, a coaching and consulting firm helping entrepreneurs and legacy leaders navigate personal and professional reinvention. She serves on the boards of THAW and several nonprofit organizations, championing mental wellness, youth development, and economic empowerment. Through storytelling, service, and strategy, Dr. Rice-Kirkwood is building more than businesses—she’s building legacies of hope, healing.
