Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Akeia Keith of Northeast Atlanta

Akeia Keith shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Akeia, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
I believe that people secretly deal with questioning if they are enough for the things that they desire to do in the world. This mindset has caused many to not move towards their personal goals.

The moment one walks in awareness of their greatness, they move with clarity and assurance that this life can throw some unexpected curve balls, yet success is still the mission and very well attainable.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Dr. Akeia Keith, also known as “SheRockz,” is a passionate global transformational speaker and coach. She has been speaking on various platforms since the age of 14.

Dr. Akeia Keith has made an unforgettable impact by speaking for youth conferences, small groups, college social groups, group homes and working alongside professional athletes in the WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association).

Dr. Akeia Keith is dedicated to educating and equipping youth and those that work with youth in developing sustainable daily positive coping skills, emotional stability and effective communication skills that will assure a successful life experience.

Dr. Akeia additionally works with high performing athletes as their Mental Performance Coach addressing effective self regulation tools, performance anxiety, effective self care regimens and answering the inner critic that attempts to negatively impact the athlete’s performance and their interactions with teammates.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
I will definitely have to say my mother. I can remember early on in my life, around elementary school, my mother would celebrate me all the time.

She was so invested in letting all her friends know about all of my achievements. Often, I would beg my mother not to highlight anything that I had achieved as I didn’t want to be judged as if I thought that I was better than any of the other children around me.

Looking back as an adult, I now realize that my mother saw me clearly. She seen my greatness. She seen my future. She seen my grit. She felt my strong desire to be successful despite the challenges that our family was experiencing. Hands down, my mother saw me. Although my mother is now deceased for four years now, I’m so grateful for her. I wish she could see me now.

I love and miss you dearly mom.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
My suffering became my classroom. It taught me how to see people beyond their pain, how to create safety where shame once lived, and how to use empathy as a bridge instead of a barrier. Success might have taught me how to shine, but suffering taught me how to serve.

Because of what I’ve lived through, I can now stand before youth, parents, and women not as someone with all the answers, but as someone who truly understands. The very experiences that once broke me now help me build others through the CHOICES™ Youth Conference and BuildHer™ — spaces that teach emotional literacy, communication, and confidence from a place of authenticity and healing.

Suffering gave me heart-knowledge. It taught me that real success isn’t measured by applause or recognition—it’s measured by the lives that are transformed because you dared to turn your pain into purpose.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I am deeply committed to creating safe and transformative spaces where young people and families can heal, grow, and thrive. One of my greatest passions is my signature conference, “Choices™”, which is rooted in Conflict Resolution, Emotional Literacy, and strengthening parent–child relationships. This initiative is more than an event—it’s a movement designed to equip youth and families with the tools to communicate effectively, regulate emotions, and rebuild trust in ways that create long-term impact.

In addition, I am equally devoted to “BuildHer™”, an all-girls conference designed to empower young women holistically—mind, body, and soul. Through this platform, girls are equipped with essential life skills such as emotional literacy, effective communication, confidence building, and self-worth cultivation. My vision is to nurture a generation of young women who know their value, honor their voice, and lead with compassion and strength.

Whether it takes years or decades, I’m unwavering in my commitment to these initiatives. I believe that intentional emotional development and safe spaces for youth can change generational trajectories, strengthen families, and build more compassionate communities. This is more than a project for me—it’s purpose in motion.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I can honestly say that I’m doing what I was born to do. Even before I was fully aware of my life’s mission, every experience—both the pain and the purpose—was shaping me for this work. My journey has been filled with moments that taught me empathy, resilience, and the importance of emotional connection. Looking back, I realize I was walking in purpose long before I could define it.

Now that I’m fully aware of my calling, I’m intentional about connecting everything I do—every conference, every coaching session, every message—to that divine assignment. My passion is no longer scattered; it’s focused and purpose-driven. I wake up each day knowing that I get to help others heal, grow, and find their own voice. And there’s nothing more fulfilling than living in alignment with the very thing you were created to do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.akeiakeith.com
• Instagram: akeia_keith
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-akeia-keith-149954114/
• Facebook: Akeia Keith