As part of the Morning Lazziness series highlighting empowering women who are making a remarkable impact with their ideas, I had the pleasure of interviewing Rasheda Kamaria Williams.
Rasheda Kamaria Williams is an award-winning mentor, author, empowerment speaker, and the visionary founder of Empowered Flower Girl, a social enterprise dedicated to transforming the way young people relate to themselves and one another. A passionate advocate for women and youth, she has spent over a decade creating programs and initiatives that foster connection, confidence, and community.
Leveraging her extensive background in PR and communications, Rasheda has earned numerous accolades for her ability to craft compelling narratives and elevate important causes. Through her work with Inspired Life Professionals, she helps changemakers and social impact founders amplify their missions, expand their reach, and get their voices heard—whether on stages, in magazine features, or through other thought leadership platforms.
At her core, Rasheda is a social entrepreneur driven by a commitment to inspire, uplift, and equip the next generation of leaders. Her work blends strategic storytelling with genuine purpose, making her a trusted guide for those ready to create meaningful change.
In this interview, she reflects on the pivotal moments, hard-earned lessons, and defining wins from her journey in building thriving online ventures.
What inspired you to launch Inspired Life Professionals, and how did your background in freelancing and consulting shape the mission behind it?
I launched Inspired Life Professionals in December 2024 after years of working behind the scenes as a freelancer and consultant for nonprofits, education institutions, and changemakers. What I consistently saw was the brilliance and impact of leaders (especially BIPOC founders and youth changemakers) going unnoticed. My background shaped the company’s mission to change that. I know that visibility equals viability for clients. ILP was born to bring tools to the people who often don’t have access to big PR firms but have powerful stories that deserve to be told.
You’ve worked closely with nonprofits, educators, and changemakers—what patterns did you notice that led you to focus on amplifying overlooked voices?
I noticed that so many changemakers were doing transformative work but were too busy serving their communities to advocate for themselves. Many lacked the bandwidth or resources to pitch their stories or navigate the media landscape. Time and again, I saw youth leaders and small grassroots organizations being overlooked despite their incredible impact. That’s when I realized visibility is also a form of equity.
ILP is rooted in storytelling for impact. What does it mean to you to “amplify purpose-driven leaders,” and how do you bring that to life through your work?
To amplify purpose-driven leaders means making sure the world sees and values the work of those leading with integrity and intention. I bring that to life through strategic storytelling, which involves helping clients shape their own narratives, secure media coverag,e and share those stories on stages with confidence.
You mention that BIPOC founders and youth leaders are often underrepresented in traditional media. Why do you think that gap still exists, and how does ILP aim to close it?
That gap persists because systemic bias still shapes whose stories are seen as “worthy.” Traditional media often centers familiar names or narratives and sometimes leaves out emerging leaders, especially those from marginalized communities. I am grateful to see independent news outlets and podcasts that focus on uplifting the stories of BIPOC and youth leaders. But it shouldn’t only be the niche publications and outlets doing this which is one of the reasons I advocate for my clients to take advantage of their owned media to tell their stories. They can use their websites, blogs, and social channels to share the good they’re doing in the world.
Can you share a recent success story where your work helped a grassroots organization or leader gain the visibility they deserved?
One recent success story I’m proud of is my work with Tia Russell, founder of Take My Hand, a Detroit-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting youth, families and individuals through essential services and empowering community programs. Although Tia had been making a significant difference for years in her community, her organization wasn’t getting the media attention or financial support it truly deserved.
I worked with Tia to provide strategic support like media training and consultation around speaking opportunities and grant/award submissions. We focused on refining her message, promoting her Generational Givers initiative for youth and building her confidence as a spokesperson for her cause.
When Tia was featured in SEEN Magazine’s “Changemaker” series in October 2024, I was floored. I wanted to cry tears of joy because folks around the world got to see what I already know about Tia, she is a force. That feature truly elevated her profile as a recognized community champion.
As a purpose-driven entrepreneur, how do you stay inspired and grounded, especially when working in spaces that can be emotionally demanding or underfunded?
Whew! Great question. I stay grounded by returning to my “why.” I’m doing this work to help people at the end of the day (and not just my clients). I think about the young people watching, the founders who’ve never seen themselves in national media and the grassroots organizers who keep going despite limited resources. I also prioritize boundaries and the things that bring me joy like time at the beach (which you’ll notice as an ILP brand element), dancing, mentoring youth and deliberate rest. I also surround myself with other purpose-driven folks who keep me motivated. We remind each other that this work matters, but our peace also matters.
What advice would you give to other women, especially women of color, who are building mission-led businesses but struggling to be seen or heard?
If I’m speaking directly to them, I would say: Your work is valid even if it hasn’t gone viral. You are doing the work and it is recognized even if not by the local TV station. Those you serve, your family and God know your heart. But don’t let humbleness keep you from shining. So don’t be afraid to toot your own horn or allow others to toot it for you. Get the support and mentorship you need to grow and expand your territory. There is a good vibe tribe out there waiting for you to join.
What have been the biggest challenges in building ILP since its launch, and how have you navigated them with intention?
The biggest challenge over these past few months has been building while still supporting others’ visibility and navigating limited capacity. As a solopreneur who works with other freelancers, it can be hard to balance client work with growing my own brand. I’ve navigated it by embracing systems to streamline how I work. I’ve also learned to ask for help and lean into community.
If you could lead a global movement through ILP, what would it stand for—and what kind of legacy do you hope to leave through your work?
If we led a global movement, it would center visibility as a form of equity. It would stand for amplifying purpose-driven leaders and lightworkers. The legacy I want to leave is one where stories that were once overlooked are front and center. I want people to remember Inspired Life Professionals as the spark that helped light the way for others.
