Ms. Kelly Ragin is a woman of God first.

Mother of two exceptional adult daughters, Ericka & Erin.

Kelly is the Founder and Director of Special Events for KellyKares, an organization that serves a higher purpose for Women’s Empowerment.

A proud native Atlantan. Born and raised in Decatur, Georgia… and doesn’t mind being called the rhetorical "Grady Baby"! A graduate of Towers High School, attended Georgia State University as a Nursing major from 1987 -1990. Started her federal career in 1988 with the Health Care Financing Administration, Division of Medicare as a Work-study student. Later, she was blessed and transferred as a permanent employee to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Currently, Kelly spends her 9 to 5 as a Public Health Analyst, with over 26 years of service with the CDC in Atlanta, GA. She does not take her journey for granted one bit. Presently, she works in the Office of the Chief of Staff, supporting the CDC Director as a liaison to the public and the various centers and programs throughout the CDC agency; concerning issues related to the general public and public health.

Kelly was afforded the awesome opportunity to work 20 of her 26 years within the National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention. However, her 8 years of working in the Division of HIV/AIDS were most memorable and influential in her drive and part of her inspiration today. This is where she learned firsthand about some of the many battles that women of all races and nationalities face daily. Real struggles. Real triumphs. Real lives.

In 2000, a graduate of the USDA, New Leader Graduate Program, Kelly gained a wealth of knowledge that enhanced her leadership skills. She is also, a member of CDC’s Association for Professional Women (APW), CDC’s Local Chapter of The Blacks in Government (BIG), and since age 13, a very, very proud member of the Beulah Missionary Baptist Church, in Decatur, GA under the leadership of Rev. Jerry D. Black. She is also a huge supporter of the National Girl Scouts of America, where she served as a Girl Scout Coordinator and Leader for 10 years; which was one of the most rewarding service oriented roles of which she’s taken part.

Over the last few years, Kelly has previously served as Board Member, on the Board of Directors for her community and other non-profit organizations. This is where she gained an understanding of the importance of true commitment and dedication for the attainment of one’s mission. She has served as the writer-editor for her community Newsletter, "Montreaux Matters". Kelly is also an aspiring author and writer with an eagerness to share her testimonies of challenge and triumph. She is currently penning her first autobiography/memoir titled: "Restored Wings" and her first Novella titled:  "Crossing the Line".

Her hobbies include:  writing/journaling, listening to music (Gospel, Contemporary jazz & old school R &B), reading,  traveling, and antique/thrift consignment shopping, cooking for her sister-friends & family and hanging out with her daughters (when their schedules allow :-)). In 2012, Kelly opened a consignment boutique-booth in Snellville called "Shuga Foot’s & Lucy’s Korner" in honor of her late maternal Grandmother (Vera) and Aunt (Lucy)-- who introduced her to the world of "Thrifting".

Finally, Kelly credits her mother, Ms. Linda Stepp, for being her "she-ro" in all things.  Learning about business, professionalism, and work ethics came easy because Mom was an excellent teacher.  However, it was Mom's "living example" that taught Kelly how to be a REAL and TRUE friend to the world.  She saw behind closed doors a real woman of God whose integrity spoke volumes in her walk and in her talk.  Eternally grateful for Mama.

Your continued Prayers are requested. Always.

Thank you!

~Kelly