Today we’d like to introduce you to Mia Ramsey.
Hi Mia, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I don’t really know HOW I got started, but I know that I did! Becoming the Executive Director of this amazing choir was not on my bucket list, although I had spent time throughout the years working with them in workshops, performances, etc. I juggle quite a bit. Listing is a thing for me, lol, so here is my list of things that I do:
1. Preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ as an Elder at my church
2. Minister of Music at my church
3. Executive Director of The Kansas City Boys and The Kansas City Girls Choir
4. Co-Founder of 2 Peas in a Pod Public Relations and Branding LLC
5. Founder of Sisters of Substance LLC, a women’s empowerment group
6. Author of Out of the Hard Place, 50 things I’ve learned in 50 years
7. Creator and Host of the upcoming podcast/video journal, Girl, Weight A Minute
8. Former Radio Host on KGGN 890 AM
9. Founder of JWear T-shirt and apparel
10. Actor (Mahalia – Black Repertory Theatre of Kansas City, Doris – Color Purple Musical at KCRep, Doris – Color Purple Musical at METKC)
11. Host of an annual event – Girl Bye! a comedic expression of real life troubles with a workshop and interactive component
12. Founder of the band, Soul Serenade – Christian Soul Band
These roles are interchangeable most days, depending on what day of the week I’m in or priority. Most importantly, I am the wife of 29 years to an amazing guy and mother to 2 beautiful adult women. I’m tired looking at this and typing it…I think I need a vacation, lol!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It DEFINITELY has not been smooth. My mother died in a tragic car accident when I was in my sophomore year of high school. She was hit by a drunk driver. That one event shaped the course of my life. I’ve been challenged by that, as well as living in a system that is not as forgiving or open to women-led initiatives or programs, unless it fits in the model that has been an age-old foundation. I now suffer from osteoarthritis, which some days can be very debilitating, but I gotta keep moving. Oh yeah, and menopause, UGH!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I pretty much answered this earlier, but I will add that hosting or emceeing events, music and comedy are what I am best known for. People seem to think I’m funny, I say people need to get out more, lol. I think the thing that sets me apart is that I show up at every event, concert, professional gathering, whatever it is, as myself. Whether in the grocery store with mixed-matched socks, or on a stage hosting for a thousand people, I am the same. People always tell me that. I love walking in the room, grabbing a microphone, and saying WHAT’S UP? HOW YOU FEELING? LOL! It breaks the atmosphere and allows people to relax in what could otherwise be a very tight space.
I also love supporting others. I don’t get to do as much as I’d like to, but I enjoy watching others achieve their goals or discovering new things about themselves and allowing others to share in the journey.
I am most proud that I have maintained my integrity, and I have passed on the idea of love, respect, and giving to my girls.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
The more people you meet, the more you find out what’s available to you. Honestly, I don’t have any 1 mentor. I often tell my girls, you have to know yourself enough to know that what you need, you will never find in any one person, nor does any one person have the capacity to give you what you need. Well, nobody but God, lol. So when I need laughter, I know who to call and hang with. When I need marital advice, I know who to call…sometimes you can get a two-fer, BUT, I make sure I am not a burden to anyone, nor do I need the burden of maintaining constant contact.
I also enjoy creating. I create events or spaces where people can express themselves through guided perimeters or boundaries; like my Girl Bye! series. I always feature other artists. Not only do they have the spotlight, they also get the opportunity to hear someone else and glean from them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.miaramsey.com
- Instagram: ministermia
- Facebook: deliverermiaramsey
- LinkedIn: Mia Ramsey
