EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, LCRC
Dr. Kimberly Ridley
Dr. Kimberly Anderson Ridley is a beacon of faith and leadership in the Richmond community. Born and raised in Portsmouth, Virginia, her life is rooted in Christian beliefs as she was baptized at a young age. A proud alumna of Hampton University, Dr. Ridley graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting before she was called to ministry. After her calling, she later earned her Master of Divinity, graduating Magna Cum Laude from the Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University. Her insatiable thirst for knowledge and her zeal for ecclesiastical service propelled Dr. Ridley to attain her Doctor of Ministry from United Theological Seminary, where her dissertation and final project focused on her passion for leadership development within the church's ministries, aiming to forge sustainable and impactful congregational work.
Honored in her vocation, she has served in full-time in ministry at Saint Paul's Baptist Church in Richmond, VA. She was distinguished as an Engle fellow of preaching at the Princeton School of Theology and is a published author, bringing her wisdom and insights to a broader audience with her Ridley Revelations.
In her crowning role as the founding pastor of The Light Community Church, she shepherds a dedicated flock committed to impacting lives with the love and light of Christ. Outside of the pulpit, she is a curator of sacred spaces. Her vision and leadership extend to spearheading the Association of African American Clergy Women (AAACW) and the birth of the Sistah's Keeper Clergy Conference. Both ventures stand as pillars that uplift and invigorate the voices and roles of women in ministry.
Her dedication to community service shines through as she is the Executive Director of the Light Community Resource Center and shapes future leaders as an adjunct professor at Virginia Union University's School of Theology. Furthermore, her commitment to her alma mater endures as she serves as the chaplain for the Richmond chapter of the National Hampton Alumni Association. She is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Dr. Ridley channels her passion and fervor into every aspect of life. She faithfully and consistently dedicates herself to being an encourager, through word and deeds. Being the mother of two young adult children, a son, and a daughter, is among her greatest joys.