STRONG, SMART & BOLD IN ACTION: Dr. Kia L. Chambers

From the moment she stepped through the doors of Girls Inc. as a young girl, Dr. Kia L. Chambers displayed the curiosity, confidence, and determination that would ultimately shape her into one of the community’s most influential leaders. Today, she stands among the most distinguished alumnae of Girls Inc. of Columbus & Phenix-Russell — a living embodiment of the organization’s motto: Strong. Smart. Bold.

Danita Gibson Lloyd, CEO of Girls Inc. of Columbus & Phenix-Russell, said Dr. Chambers’ life and legacy reflect the power of investing in girls early.
“Dr. Kia Chambers is a testament to the Girls Inc. promise — that when a girl is supported, empowered, and believed in, there is no limit to the impact she can have on the world,” Gibson Lloyd said. “To witness an alumna rise, lead boldly, break barriers, and then return to pour into the next generation as a board member and advocate reflects the full circle of our mission. Dr. Chambers reminds every girl we serve that greatness is not the exception; it is the expectation.”

A Barrier-Breaking Public Servant

In 2013, Dr. Chambers made local history as the first African American elected as the Citywide Representative to the Muscogee County School Board. Her tenure was defined by advocacy for educational equity, student opportunity, and transparent leadership. Her election marked a milestone for representation across Columbus and helped broaden access for families across the district.

Impact Through Education

Dr. Chambers began her career at Hannan Elementary Magnet Academy in Columbus, where she worked as both an instructor and academy coach. She launched an after-school mentoring program that continues to serve students more than two decades later. Her early work in the classroom set the tone for a career centered on youth empowerment and academic excellence.

Leadership in Real Estate and Wealth Building

For more than 20 years, Dr. Chambers has been a respected real estate broker, known for mentoring agents, expanding homeownership opportunities, and helping families build generational wealth. Her work has earned industry honors including the Million Dollar Club Award and the Circle of Excellence Award.

Regional and Civic Leadership

Beyond education and business, Dr. Chambers has held leadership roles across multiple regional organizations. She served as the District 3 Representative for the Georgia School Boards Association, representing 12 counties. Her service also includes:

• Former Board Member, Girls Inc. of Columbus & Phenix-Russell
• Immediate Past President, The Links, Incorporated – Columbus (GA) Chapter
• Past President, North Columbus Rotary Club
• Trustee, Historic Columbus

Academic Credentials

Her educational achievements include:

• Ph.D., Leadership & Supervision, Auburn University
• Ed.S. and M.Ed., Early Childhood Education, Troy University
• B.S., Biology (Minor in Chemistry), Albany State University
• Certifications in Elementary Education and Teacher Support Specialist in Georgia and Alabama

Awards and Honors

Dr. Chambers’ extensive list of recognitions includes:

• Teacher of the Year (2004)
• Leadership Georgia Graduate (2009)
• Mary Galer Community Service Award (2016)
• Benjamin Watson Trailblazer Award (2017)
• Whitney M. Young Service Award (2019)
• Urban League Lighting the Torch Award (2020)
• Good Neighbor Award, Columbus Board of Realtors (2022)

Family, Faith, and Community Roots

A Columbus native, Dr. Chambers is married to Councilman Travis Chambers. Together, they share more than 35 years of service-driven community involvement and are the parents of three sons. Their family legacy is defined by faith, public service, and a commitment to uplifting others.

Giving Back to the Organization That Shaped Her

Dr. Chambers credits Girls Inc. with helping her develop the voice and confidence that guided her career.

“Girls Inc. taught me that strength, confidence, and purpose are not just words — they are a way of life,” she said. “As a young girl, I found my voice through the programs and mentors who believed in me before I fully believed in myself. Supporting Girls Inc. is not just giving back — it’s continuing a legacy of empowering girls to become the strong, smart, and bold women our world needs.”

In a second reflection, she added:
“Girls Inc. was one of my first leadership classrooms. It planted the seeds of confidence, service, and purpose that continue to shape how I lead today. When we invest in girls, we build stronger women, families, and communities.”

Fueling the Future

Girls Inc. of Columbus & Phenix-Russell operates on a $2 million annual budget that is entirely funded by the community through foundations, corporate partners, individual donors, and alumnae support. The organization continues to rely on community investment to deliver high-impact programming for girls across the regio