Meet Kimberly Rice | Personal Alignment Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kimberly Rice and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kimberly, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born and raised in San Francisco. I was raised by a single mother, who immigrated to the US from El Salvador. We grew up in poverty, and utilized welfare and food stamps in order to make ends meet. There were many struggles growing up in San Francisco, but it was always a welcoming and supportive environment for me. I was able to work hard and was the first person in my family to graduate with a college degree from San Francisco State University in 2007.

My background has given me a lot of perspective when it comes to the struggles of everyday people and how important community and support resources are, but also how challenging it truly is when you do not come from a privileged background. It’s been imperative for me to not compare myself to others that come from a more entitled background. It’s built in me a deep appreciation for the gifts and resources that I do have. I also have a deep sense of empathy for individuals that are able to be resourceful enough to make a way for themselves in very challenging circumstances. Pressure truly does create diamonds and I believe that the challenges I have faced have made me the person I am today.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve had a 15 year career in the Tech field as an Executive Assistant. I’ve always been a “helper” and someone that loves to solve complicated puzzles. Growing up in San Francisco I’ve had the opportunity to work at some very interesting tech and start-up companies and with some amazing leaders in the space. This is part of what led me to pursue my Life Coaching certification. One of the skills that most individuals lack is emotional intelligence and empathy. These skills were always very relevant to my career success and Life Coaching was a natural path for me, as I already had many skills that had assisted me in my career. Pursuing Life Coaching has only helped me to further develop my EQ and has helped me to realize the true value of being unbiased, nonjudgemental and having the ability to create safe spaces for individuals to connect more deeply with themselves and their inner wisdom. The Path Illuminated was born out of the idea that we all have our own unique path, that no one else can walk for us. As a Life Coach I am most inspired when clients are able to tap into the truth that they alone hold the power and wisdom to create the life that they want and to find the strength within themselves to cultivate their natural talents and abilities.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The Ferry Building is one of my favorite place in San Francisco, especially on Saturday’s when there is a lot of activity due to the Farmer’s Market along with artists and musicians it’s always a great time!

Walking the steps up to Coit Tower is also a great adventure, and a physical challenge but the view from the top cannot be beat. You can see both the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge and it’s one of the most magical places to visit.

One of my favorite restaurants is Trattoria Contadina in North Beach – Authentic, homestyle Italian food cannot be beat.

Lastly, a trip to Oracle Park (Home of the SF Giants) it’s, in my opinion, the best ballpark in the MLB and the food is equally amazing.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There have been a number of people and groups that have contributed to my success. Growing up in San Francisco, I have to say that the LGBTQ community has been not only inspiring but also helped me during a particularly difficult time in my life. My brother passed away unexpectedly in September 2006. At the time, I was in the final stages of completing my classes for my Bachelor’s Degree and I was very overwhelmed with grief. As a Communications major I had a research class that required we join a club on campus, and I just happened to join the LGBTQ club during that time. I openly shared what I was going through and struggling with and the members of the group were authentically supportive of me during this dark and challenging period in my life. I wasn’t even sure if I would be able to complete my degree I felt so lost during that time. I was supported, loved and seen in such a beautiful way and I don’t know how I would have completed my degree had it not been for their support.

Instagram: @thepathilluminated