Meet Ramina Wilkerson | Motivational Speaker & Life Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ramina Wilkerson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ramina, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
Growing up in Iraq, living through several wars, and escaping numerous execution attempts at the hands of Saddam Hussein, I learned to lean heavily on my Bible, especially Psalm 23. “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.” I found such comfort in these words. I remember the first time I read this Psalm and the overwhelming peace that took over at that moment; I began reading it every night before bed, especially as the missiles exploded outside my home. Each night, I clutched to my Bible in place of a teddy bear and recited the passage as I fell asleep while the world around me crumbled. This Psalm has left a lasting impression on my life, and I am grateful for the peace it provides me when I need it most.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am a motivational speaker and a life coach. My passion is to work with people of all ages. I enjoy speaking to groups of all sizes, whether it’s businesses, churches, or conferences. I use my story and background to help motivate and encourage people to see possibilities beyond their limitations. I also enjoy working with individuals one-on-one to help them achieve their goals and coach them to live the best version of themselves. I am an author and blogger. I post weekly uplifting blogs to my website https://raminawilkerson.com/blog/. Although I thoroughly enjoyed working in the corporate world, I always felt as if something was missing. I had this nagging feeling that I was meant to do so much more; I was brought to America for a more significant reason; I needed to find that reason and fulfill it. So I took a step back from my career to find my purpose, and that’s when I realized I needed to use my story and my past to help others. I believe life teaches us lessons that school was never able to, and as a Motivational Speaker and Life Coach, it is crucial to tap into those lessons to connect with others. My past and my overall journey make me a unique individual to work with. Having a challenging childhood in Iraq has not only equipped me to conquer anything that I may face, but it has also shaped me to be a strong and resilient woman. I love encouraging others to embrace who they are, find their voice, fulfill their purpose, and live their best life. I am proud of everything I have accomplished and the opportunities I have been presented with. However, starting my own business has been one of the hardest things I’ve had to do. Learning to market myself and my business was incredibly difficult for me, not to mention, facing rejection more often than I’m used to is a hard pill to swallow, but that comes with the territory of stepping into the unknown. Over time I have learned to mute the little voice that tries to remind me that I am failing or not being good enough to continue. As I grow personally and professionally, I am learning never to give in to my fears as they never have my best interest at hand. Reflecting on my past is something I often do to remind myself of where I was and how far I’ve come. It is also a great reminder to stay grounded and grateful for every day. My story is uncommon; it is full of pain and joy, and being able to use my story to help others is a privilege, and I am humbled to do so.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am fortunate to live in the beautiful state of Colorado, where alluring nature and mountains are all around us. There is so much to do and so many places to visit. The itinerary would begin with a few trips to the mountains. Estes Park and Aspen are a must place to visit; the beautiful drives, especially during the foliage season, have yet to disappoint. Being in nature is my happy place and my way of decompressing and reenergizing, so hiking a few trails is a must, especially Alberta Falls and Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Walking around the Garden of the Gods and visiting the Glen Eyrie Castle for high tea is an unforgettable experience. On our drive back, we would have to make a stop at Smallcakes in Castle Rock for one of their delicious cupcakes. Last but not least, a trip to downtown Denver for drinks and endless dinner and cuisine options. The night doesn’t end with just dinner at either ChoLon or Rodizio Grill but followed by laughter at the Comedy Works. Colorado has so much to offer, and I am always excited to share it with visiting family and friends.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am blessed with a strong circle of people that have cheered me on, supported me, and even cried with me at times. It would take 100 pages to list everyone who has impacted my life in some way and contributed to my growth and success. My first shout out goes to my husband and two beautiful daughters, who are my rock and my biggest cheerleaders. Grateful for my two amazing sisters, their love, and the special bond we share. Without them, so much would not be possible. Lucky to have my immediate family and friends and their endless love and support. Also, joining the John Maxwell team in 2017 has been such an enriching experience and so vital to my personal and professional growth. In addition to the amazing people that have impacted my life, reading and pursuing personal growth is essential to my success. Two of my favorite books that I highly recommend everyone read are Crazy Love by Francis Chan and Mindset by Carol S. Dweck. These two books have changed my life and my outlook.

Website: https://raminawilkerson.com/
Instagram: @ramina_wilkerson
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramina-wilkerson-b6114529/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ramina-Wilkerson-1427392830676165

Image Credits
Jolene Wood and Sona Babani