Kimberly Howard shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Kimberly, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: Who are you learning from right now?
I am learning from women in leadership roles such as Councilmember Lorie Blair of District 8, the honorable former Councilmember Jaynie Schultz, and Director of Arts and Culture Martine Elyse Philippe. All are outstanding examples of women leading with dignity, loyalty, and knowledge.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Kimberly Richards, and I currently serve as District Director for District 8 of the City of Dallas. In this role, I focus on community engagement, connecting residents with resources, and supporting initiatives that improve quality of life, safety, and neighborhood development.
I am also a minister and founder of Evolved Ministries, whose mission is grounded in Romans 12:2, inspiring transformation and purposeful living. Additionally, I am a brand developer, social entrepreneur, and graphic artist with over 17 years of experience, helping build and grow brands throughout the DFW area.
I began my journey as an entrepreneur with Kimberly Ann’s Design Studio (KAD), where I built strong business relationships—relationships that have continued to evolve over the last four years while working with the City of Dallas. It has truly been a full-circle experience, connecting my entrepreneurial and creative background with public service and community impact.
Currently, I am working on the launch of my podcast and blog series, Out of Office (OOO), where we explore career pivots, entrepreneurship, purpose, and what it takes to balance it all. All while staying true to who God created us to be.
Also, I am working on another book titled “My Grief Does Not Look Like Yours.”
My work is driven by a passion for fostering connections, empowering communities, and helping others grow both personally and professionally.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Bonds between people break when communication fails and ethics are ignored. Trust erodes when honesty and integrity are missing. To restore those connections, we need open dialogue, accountability, and a commitment to act with moral responsibility—only then can relationships truly heal and grow stronger.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
For a period of time, fear held me back from fully accelerating and accomplishing my goals—especially during significant setbacks in my life, such as having to relearn how to walk after a major injury. I experienced the fear and trauma of being shot in a drive-by shooting, not knowing why it happened or who was responsible.
Over time, I’ve learned to transform that fear and pain into motivation and purpose. Instead of letting it hold me back, I now use those experiences to inspire and support others, helping them overcome challenges, find resilience, and pursue their goals with courage.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies that the industry tells itself is that women who lead don’t know how to submit or collaborate, and that strong women are “mean” or difficult. I refuse to fall into that narrative. Leadership and strength are not mutually exclusive with empathy, collaboration, or humility. I believe women can lead with authority while remaining grounded, principled, and supportive of those around them.
I intentionally highlighted women in leadership roles because it’s important for us to see more women working together and lifting each other up instead of tearing one another down.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
If I laid down my name, role, and possessions, what would remain is my respect and love for everyone. Scripture says, “love covers a multitude,” and to me that means it doesn’t matter what title you hold, what role you serve in, or what you have—every person deserves respect, kindness, and compassion.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/iamkimberlyann_?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaefRGgz51UlPl7i6vznVVo5qPAkDKhEObfLDqdMgGLyqu5ii8-Xu9YbfAOYtw_aem_JunqaztTbPSNDHSzN7efCQ
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkimberlyann_/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-richards-0b6a61131/
- Twitter: https://x.com/iam_kimberlyann
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamkimberlyannhoward/
