Keanna Ralph is the owner of Dreamcatchers International, which is a consulting and training arm, partnering with organizations to deliver impactful workshops and support that boost team performance, wellness, and culture. and founder of Firestarters, which is a coaching and content brand that helps high-achieving women overcome burnout, rediscover their voice, and lead with authenticity and purpose. We had a chance to sit down with her to ask about her experience with entrepreneurship and LAEDA’s training programs.
1) LAEDA: Entrepreneurship is a very challenging path to take with many different possible directions. What made you decide to become an entrepreneur?
I was drawn to entrepreneurship because it offered the opportunity to create both impact and income while pursuing work I am deeply passionate about. I wanted to design a life and business that aligned with my purpose. The added freedom of being my own boss and building something meaningful from the ground up made the journey even more rewarding.
2) LAEDA: Why did you choose your industry?
While pursuing my graduate studies at Rutgers, I frequently encountered organizations with powerful missions and great ideas—but they often lacked the strategic support to fully bring those visions to life. I felt compelled to step into that gap, helping leaders and organizations turn potential into sustainable, purpose-driven impact.
3) LAEDA: Tell me about your experience while attending EDTP. What have the major takeaways been from the program? Have you had any “Ah-ha!” moments? How did the program help you?
EDTP was a game-changer for me. It provided foundational knowledge and practical tools that helped shape my entrepreneurial mindset and approach. One of my biggest “Ah-ha!” moments was realizing the importance of systems and strategy—passion alone isn’t enough. The program also introduced me to a community of like-minded professionals, and those connections have been invaluable.
4) LAEDA: Tell me about your journey on the road to business start-up. What have been some of the challenges, successes, failures, etc.?
I often say that entrepreneurship feels like jumping out of a plane and building your parachute on the way down. It’s exhilarating, unpredictable, and full of lessons. I’ve faced everything from imposter syndrome to cash flow gaps, but I have also experienced incredible growth, client wins, and mission-aligned opportunities. Through it all, staying anchored to my “why” has made the challenges worth it.
5) LAEDA: Could you tell me a little about where your business is today?
Since 2016, my focus has been on consulting and coaching—partnering with organizations and individuals through workshops, seminars, and retreats. I help entrepreneurs, leaders, and professionals grow both in business and life. Most recently, I co-founded a youth development nonprofit that’s launching in Nigeria and expanding across Africa. It’s a passion project rooted in legacy, leadership, and impact.
6) LAEDA: Do you have any advice for future (or existing) entrepreneurs?
Invest in yourself—personally and professionally. The success of your business is often a direct reflection of your growth and mindset. Every new level will demand a deeper version of you. Stay curious, stay grounded, and never stop learning. The journey is not just about building a business—it’s about becoming who you were called to be.
More about Dreamcatchers International and Firestarters:
DreamCatchers is my consulting and training arm, where I partner with organizations to deliver high-impact workshops, leadership development, and strategic support that enhances team performance, wellness, and culture.
Firestarters is my coaching and content brand focused on helping high-achieving women overcome burnout, reclaim their voice, and lead with authenticity and purpose. Through transformational coaching, mindset work, and leadership strategy, I support them in realigning with their calling and building lives they don’t have to escape from.
Together, both brands reflect my mission: to empower purpose-driven people and organizations to lead boldly, live fully, and make meaningful impact.
More about Dr. Keanna Ralph:
Dr. Keanna Lynette Ralph is a renowned leadership expert, business consultant, and inspirational speaker with a passion for guiding individuals toward building profitable, purpose-driven businesses. As CEO of Dreamcatchers International and founder of Firestarters, Dr. Keanna devotes herself to transforming lives and organizations, empowering them to reach their fullest potential.
Dr. Keanna is also an acclaimed author of Detours to Destiny: When the Detour Becomes the Path, a powerful book that inspires readers to embrace life’s challenges and turn obstacles into opportunities. Through her international consulting work, she equips individuals and organizations with practical strategies for personal and professional growth, delivering transformational results across various industries.
A two-time graduate of Rutgers University, Dr. Keanna earned her B.A. and master’s in Public Administration before obtaining her Doctorate in Strategic Leadership from Regent University’s School of Business and Leadership. Her deep academic expertise, coupled with her rich practical experience, has made her a sought-after voice in leadership development, personal resilience, and organizational strategy.
Dr. Keanna’s influence extends to the academic sphere, where she lectures at Rutgers University’s School of Business, recently earning the prestigious Rutgers Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching. As a visionary entrepreneur, she is committed to inspiring individuals to live authentically and achieve their dreams.
Beyond her work, Dr. Keanna’s personal journey—rising from humble beginnings in Camden, NJ, to become a globally recognized expert—is a testament to her resilience. Raised by a single mother, she has never allowed her circumstances to define her, consistently turning life’s detours into paths toward success. Her personal story serves as an inspiration to those navigating the challenges of life and business.
Dreamcatchers International and Firestarters can be reached at:
Website: www.dreamcatchersinternational.com
Email: info@dciconsultingservices.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/keannaralph
About the Entrepreneurial Development Training Program (EDTP):
The Entrepreneurial Development Training Program (EDTP) is a free, nine-week business skills training course offered in Camden, NJ in the Spring and Fall each year. Qualified entrepreneurs receive 72+ hours of training from industry professionals, business planning, and continued technical assistance. For more Information visit us at laeda.com or refer an entrepreneur using this form.