Meet KiKi Cunningham, this is #HerStory
Born to teenage parents and growing up in Pontiac, MI., I didn’t have the white picket fence and traditional family upbringing. My mother worked two and three jobs to make ends meet. The struggles were real, but my family and mentor’s support made a huge difference. I experienced my share of rebellious behavior. Attending HBCU was a positive life changing experience for me. Nevertheless, I became a single mother during my sophomore year of college at Wilberforce University. Having my daughter Ahmahn encouraged me to push harder to provide her with a better life and to not become another statistic. I was offered a paid internship with Family Violence Prevention Center and worked as an Intake Specialist throughout my undergraduate years.
I completed a bachelor’s degree in social work and began working as a Social Worker for Montgomery County Children Services. I had an incredible mentor, Dr. Sharon Brown, she called me during the summer to offer a scholarship opportunity for me to pursue a master’s degree in Rehabilitation for a newly accredited program that she founded.
From there, I completed my graduate degree and went on to work for a few Managed Care Organizations and work part-time as an Adjunct Professor. In 2011, I was involved in a terrible car accident and incurred a serious injury that took me off work. Being a person that has worked since the age of 14, I went through all kinds of emotional and financial setbacks. It was at that time, I decided I would work for myself… and that is what I did.
I started Assertive Vocational Services, LLC; a consulting business that assists injured workers with navigating the workers comp system and returning to employment. I spent days creating marketing materials and lists of contacts before putting on my best suits and pumps, holding my head high and going into offices to pitch my services. My first contract was from the company that I resigned from. Stepping out on faith was the best decision I made for my career. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been well worth it.
I enjoy being a wife to an amazing husband. Recently, I wrote and self-published a true crime gritty story “Living to Die” (based on an old promise made to a friend.) In addition to owning multi-family and single-family rental-homes in Toledo.
My strong faith in God keeps me optimistic that no matter what obstacles that may come my way, he will give me strength to overcome. I have more goals and dreams that will come true. Being apart of the board of Women of Toledo, has allowed me an incredible opportunity to network with women from all walks of like. Hearing the stories of women climbing the ladder to success and the obstacles conquered, encourages me to do and be better.
What advice would you give to another woman?
I would say keep pushing forward, block out the naysayers and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
"Success is not measured by the position one has reached in life, rather by the obstacles one overcomes while trying to succeed.” – Booker T. Washington
Follow KiKi:
Facebook: Khanisha Cunningham
Instagram: Ms_K_Fabulous