Today we’d like to introduce you to Keisha Ford.
Hi Keisha , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My background is in human resources, but my passion has always been rooted in helping young people prepare for their next chapter in life. Over the years, I found myself naturally guiding teens and college-bound students—whether it was showing them how to interview for their first job, explaining workplace expectations, or simply helping them believe in what they’re capable of.
For a long time, I imagined starting a nonprofit after I retired. I mentioned this dream to a few close friends, and they immediately challenged me: “Keisha, why wait? You need to do this now.” Their encouragement reshaped my timeline and pushed me to step into the work I was meant to do.
In the past two years, I’ve established KRF Youth Development Services and our nonprofit foundation, KRF Student Empowerment Foundation, both created to support students through career readiness, scholarship preparation, leadership development, and real-world learning experiences. These programs allow me to serve youth across our communities in a more intentional and impactful way.
I may be building things slowly, but my purpose feels clear. Every time I mentor a student, support a family, or help a young person navigate their first real opportunity, my heart is full. All I want is to make a difference—one student at a time.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all—but every challenge has strengthened my purpose.
Balancing a full career in human resources while building both KRF Youth Development Services and the KRF Student Empowerment Foundation has required a lot of discipline, sacrifice, and faith. There were times I questioned if I had the capacity to do it all. Learning how to structure a nonprofit, secure resources, and build programs from the ground up—often on my own—was overwhelming at first.
Funding has also been a challenge, especially in the beginning. When you’re starting something new, you have to convince others to believe in a vision they can’t yet see. I had to learn how to advocate for my mission, create systems, and stay consistent even when progress felt slow.
Another struggle was simply time. Working full-time, serving my community, being a mother, and launching two youth-focused initiatives meant I had to be intentional about every hour in my day. There were plenty of late nights, early mornings, and moments where I had to push through doubt.
But despite the obstacles, I knew why I started. Every student who gains confidence, every parent who expresses gratitude, every young person who discovers their potential—that’s what makes the road worth it. The challenges shaped me, but the impact keeps me moving.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
We’d love to learn more about your work.
I’d love to share. My work sits at the intersection of human resources, youth empowerment, and community service. With nearly two decades of experience in HR, I’ve developed a strong foundation in career development, talent acquisition, and helping people find pathways to success. That expertise naturally evolved into my passion for supporting students as they prepare for college, careers, and leadership opportunities.
Through KRF Youth Development Services and the KRF Student Empowerment Foundation, I focus on helping young people build confidence and skills that will carry them into adulthood. I specialize in:
Career readiness and workforce preparation
(resume building, interviewing skills, workplace conduct)
Scholarship and college planning support
(essay prep, application tracking, timeline planning)
Leadership development and life-skills coaching
(communication, professionalism, personal branding)
Community-based programs
(literacy initiatives, workshops, mentorship, and resource drives)
What I’m most proud of is seeing students transform—watching them walk into a room unsure of themselves and walk out empowered, prepared, and believing they belong in the spaces they aspire to enter. Every acceptance letter, every scholarship win, every “thank you” from a parent reminds me that the work matters.
What sets me apart is that I don’t just provide services—I build relationships. I meet each student where they are, and I focus on encouraging them holistically: academically, emotionally, and professionally. My HR background gives me a unique lens because I understand what employers look for, how hiring decisions are made, and how students can stand out in a competitive world.
At the heart of everything I do is a simple mission: to equip young people with the confidence, knowledge, and support they need to rise—one student at a time.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
As an introvert at heart, networking hasn’t always come naturally to me. For a long time, I believed you had to be the most outgoing person in the room to build meaningful connections—but I’ve learned that isn’t true. Some of the strongest relationships I’ve built have come from quiet, intentional interactions rather than large social settings.
My biggest piece of advice is to start small and be authentic. You don’t have to force yourself into every room or conversation. Instead, look for people whose work genuinely inspires you and reach out with a simple message, a thoughtful question, or a sincere compliment. Most relationships begin with just one brave step.
Another approach that has worked for me is connecting through purpose-driven spaces—volunteer work, leadership programs, professional groups, and community events. When you’re surrounded by people who share your values, the conversations flow more naturally, and the connections feel meaningful rather than forced.
I also recommend having a personal board of directors—a few trusted individuals you can turn to for advice, encouragement, or accountability. These don’t have to be formal mentors. Sometimes the best guidance comes from people who have watched your journey and genuinely want to see you grow.
Most importantly, give yourself grace. Networking doesn’t have to look the same for everyone. As introverts, we connect deeply rather than broadly, and that can be just as powerful. I’ve learned that when I lead with sincerity, stay prepared, and show up consistently—even in quiet ways—the right mentors and opportunities find their way to me.
Pricing:
- Many of our youth development services are offered free of charge to students and families. This is made possible through community support, in-kind contributions, and monetary donations.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://krfyouthdevelopmentservices.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krfyouthdevelopmentsvcs/
