Dr. Karen Ratliff was born and raised on the Southside of Chicago. She attended Southern Illinois University to obtain her BA in Organizational Leadership and Master’s in Education. She later obtained her Doctorate in Educational Leadership with an emphasis in Curriculum Development and Instruction.

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Dr. Ratliff is an entrepreneur. She is the founder of “The College Bootcamp” a non-profit organization where she guides students to and through college. She is also the founder of “365 Consulting Group, LLC” where she assists individuals and organizations achieve measurable goals. In 2020, Dr. Karen founded Chayil Chicago, LLC. an organization assisting women spiritually and professionally.

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As an, author, motivational speaker, and consultant; Dr. Karen Ratliff is usually on video calls with clients, training others to become certified life coaches, meeting with students at universities, writing curriculum, ghostwriting books, and facilitating trainings at leadership development institutions. She is a strategic planner, made to assist and help others with their dreams and goals. She is an educational leader, professor, and curriculum developer. Most recently, Dr. Ratliff was the lead project manager and trailblazer for the school approval for the A.I.M. Performing Arts Charter School, in partnership with NLCSE and “Common.”

 

Dr. Karen is the author of “College Secrets Exposed,” “Tightening Your Bootstraps: 104 Ways to Kick Your Debt to the Curb,” Jet Magazine Published Column “Cents and Sensibility,” “I Love Mondays: A Journal that Aids in Strategic Planning and Organizational Structure,” “Breakthrough, Sis: How to Receive the Promises of God,” and her newest book “Women in the Marketplace: How to Strive as the Minority.” She is also the editor for her monthly e-magazine publication “I Love Mondays w/Dr. Karen” and monthly podcast series “I Love Mondays w/ Dr. Karen.” On those two platforms, she provides tips, tools, and resources on strategic planning and how to effectively implement vision.

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Most recently, she was nominated and awarded recognition for one of the 40 women under the age of 40 by the Young Women Professional League for her marketplace and professional achievements.

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Dr. Karen was called into ministry. In ministry she has served at New Life Covenant Church Southeast (NLCSE), under the leadership of Pastor John Hannah- a 30,000 member congregation. For 13 years, she served in the ministry and became full-time staff as the Senior Executive Director of Ministry Development. As the only woman and the youngest staff member in this role, she oversaw 200+ leaders, ministers, and volunteers. In the conclusion of her journey at NLCSE, she designed and launched the first New Life College Ministry mobile app that allows New Life college students to stay connected and she lead the initiative to open the New Life Performing Arts Charter school (the only charter school approved since 2013).

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Dr. Karen Ratliff is a trailblazer, mentor to many, and loves to assist people accomplish their goals. She is one of a kind and definitely someone you need to have in your circle.