Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Rikki Oyee.
Hi Dr. Rikki , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey has been anything but traditional—and that’s exactly what shaped me into the professional and leader I am today.
Early on I worked in Public Relations and Marketing while continuing my education.
At the same time, I’ve always had a passion for people, leadership, and creating impactful experiences. That passion evolved into co-founding **OhYeah! Entertainment LLC**, a luxury event planning and design company focused on creating elevated, unforgettable experiences. What started as a creative outlet quickly became a growing business rooted in excellence, attention to detail, and community connection.
Alongside entrepreneurship, my academic journey has been a major pillar of my story. Completing my MA in a year and a half, and my doctorate degree in three years challenged me and pushed me beyond my comprehension and comfortability.
My leadership journey expanded even further through my involvement with Ms. Corporate America, where I’ve been part of empowering and connecting professional women through leadership development, coaching, and community impact initiatives. This platform aligns deeply with my purpose—helping others step into their power while building meaningful networks.
Professionally, I’ve also continued to grow in spaces that merge leadership and service. As a Mental Health First Aider since 2020 and a HeartStyles Leadership Coach since 2022, I’ve had the opportunity to guide individuals in both personal and professional development, focusing on emotional intelligence, leadership effectiveness, and well-being.
Today, my journey sits at the intersection of entrepreneurship, leadership, mental health, and community impact. Whether I’m building community, leading teams, designing luxury experiences, or mentoring others, everything I do is rooted in purpose—creating value, elevating people, and leaving a lasting impact.
And the journey is still unfolding.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My work is centered at the intersection of academia, media, leadership, and entrepreneurship, and I’ve intentionally built a career that bridges scholarship with real-world impact.
At my core, I am a researcher, lecturer, and thought leader specializing in multicultural women’s and gender studies, media studies, and African American studies. My work focuses on media literacy, representations of women of color, and analyzing popular culture through a social justice lens. I’ve had the privilege of teaching and lecturing at institutions like Texas Woman’s University and Texas Christian University, where I’ve led courses in Black feminisms, critical race theory, and women and gender studies. My approach in the classroom is rooted in engagement, critical thinking, and empowering students to connect theory with lived experience.
Beyond academia, I am the co-founder and co-host of Gray Matters the Blog, a platform and podcast dedicated to bridging academia and activism. Through this work, I create space for meaningful conversations around mental health, media, identity, and social justice—translating complex academic ideas into accessible, impactful dialogue for a broader audience.
I also serve as a Mental Health First Aid Trainer, focusing on education, awareness, and equipping individuals with tools to support mental well-being in their communities.
In addition, I am the co-founder of OhYeah! Entertainment LLC, a luxury event planning and design company where I specialize in creating elevated, all-inclusive experiences. My work in this space reflects the same core principle that guides my academic career—intentionality, impact, and creating meaningful, transformative experiences.
My leadership extends into national platforms as well. I serve as the Vice President of Ms. Corporate America, where I help empower and connect professional women through leadership development, coaching, and community impact initiatives.
I’m also actively involved in professional organizations such as the National Women’s Studies Association and the National Council for Black Studies, contributing to ongoing conversations around scholarship, equity, and representation.
What I’m most proud of is my ability to bridge multiple worlds—academia, media, business, and community—and create meaningful impact in each. Whether it’s teaching, publishing research, presenting at national conferences, mentoring students, or building platforms like Gray Matters, everything I do is rooted in purpose and driven by a commitment to social change.
What sets me apart is my ability to translate knowledge into action. I don’t just study culture—I engage with it, challenge it, and create spaces for others to do the same. I bring a unique blend of intellectual depth, creative expression, and real-world application, allowing me to connect with diverse audiences and leave a lasting impact.
Ultimately, I am known for using my voice, my platform, and my work to educate, empower, and elevate—and that is the legacy I continue to build every day.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
What I’m most proud of is my personal journey—becoming an empowered woman grounded in faith, resilience, and purpose, while remaining deeply committed to supporting my family. That foundation influences everything I do, both personally and professionally.
What sets me apart is my ability to translate knowledge into action. I don’t just engage with theory—I bring it to life in ways that are accessible, relevant, and transformative. I combine academic depth with cultural awareness and real-world application, which allows me to connect with diverse audiences and create lasting impact.
Ultimately, I’m known for using my voice, my work, and my platforms to educate, empower, and elevate—and to create spaces where both people and ideas can thrive.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
The quality that has been most important to my success is intentional resilience.
I don’t just push through challenges—I grow through them with purpose. Whether it’s navigating academia, building platforms like Gray Matters, leading in spaces like Ms. Corporate America, or co-founding a business, every step of my journey has required discipline, faith, and the ability to stay grounded in my “why,” even when things weren’t easy.
That resilience is deeply intentional—it’s rooted in my values, my faith, and my commitment to both personal growth and supporting my family. It allows me to adapt, stay focused, and continue showing up at a high level across multiple spaces without losing alignment in who I am.
Ultimately, it’s not just about endurance—it’s about evolving with purpose. That’s what has allowed me to build, lead, and create impact in everything I do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ohyeahentertainment.com/ https://mscorporateamerica.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ohyeah_entertainment/ https://www.instagram.com/ms.corporateamericatx/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/OhYeah-Entertainment/61584907762749/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@Ohyeahentertainment?themeRefresh=1
