Meet Lift Her Up Awardee: Dr. Kia Chambers

Dr. Kia L. Chambers is a servant leader whose career reflects a sustained commitment to community advancement, educational excellence and leadership development. With more than 20 years of experience across education, real estate and civic service, Chambers has dedicated her work to creating opportunities, strengthening institutions and developing pathways for individual and collective success.

Grounded in both scholarship and practice, Chambers holds a Ph.D. in Leadership and Supervision along with advanced degrees in education. Her professional journey began in the classroom, where she served as an educator, instructional leader and mentor to students and fellow teachers. She later expanded her impact in higher education as a university supervisor and professor, helping prepare future educators through instruction, evaluation and professional coaching. Across each role, her leadership has emphasized collaboration, accountability, innovation and the development of people.

Chambers has also applied her leadership expertise in the real estate industry, managing operations, guiding teams and promoting sustainable growth. Her work in the field focuses on strategic planning, financial stewardship and relationship-centered service aimed at strengthening communities.

A highly engaged civic leader, Chambers made history in 2013 as the first African American elected as an At-Large Citywide School Board Member. She has also served as a district representative for the Georgia School Boards Association and on boards including Girls Inc., Historic Columbus and Rotary.

Chambers is the founder of several initiatives, including the Women’s Empowerment & Self-Care Brunch, the Kia for Kids Scholarship Program and the Gold Star Teacher Appreciation Initiative. She and her husband, Travis, have been married 35 years and are proud parents of three sons.