Leading with Heart, From FAMU to the World – The Famuan

Kristin Harper’s journey is a shining example of the power of involvement, leadership, and community. From her days as a student leader at Florida A&M University (FAMU) to her current role as Chair of the Board of Trustees, Harper’s life has been defined by service, resilience, and a deep connection to her alma mater. Her story shows just how far embracing every opportunity with heart and purpose can take you.

As a student at FAMU, Harper made history as the first female Student Government Association (SGA) president in nearly a decade, breaking barriers and setting a new standard for female leadership on campus. “Coming back to FAMU just makes me so happy,” Harper said. “Hearing songs like ‘S.O.S.’ takes me right back to my college years.” Her love for the university runs deep, but Harper’s legacy extends far beyond personal nostalgia—she made an indelible impact during her time on campus.

An active student in SBI, member of many clubs and organizations, and the Beta Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. one of her standout achievements was founding ‘Niamoja’, an Afrocentric rites-of-passage program. “It was important for me to create a space where elementary school students could feel proud of who they are and where they come from,” Harper said. Understanding one’s roots, she believed, was key to shaping the future, and Niamoja became a space for cultural pride and exploration. Harper’s story shows the important roles FAMU students serve as mentors. More than 25 years later, the chapter still operates Niamoja through tutoring and after school services, proving that FAMU students can not only make a lasting difference, but also create a legacy. 

Harper’s leadership didn’t stop at graduation. After earning both a Bachelor’s degree and an MBA from FAMU, she quickly made her mark in corporate America, holding key roles at companies like Procter & Gamble, The Hershey Company, and Cardinal Health. Her work with global brands such as Crest® and Hershey’s KISSES® catapulted her into the upper echelons of business, where she became the Global Vice President of a Fortune 15 company by her 30s. 

However, Harper’s most significant leap came when she decided to launch her own consulting firm, Driven to Succeed, LLC. Her company specializes in market research, brand strategy, and leadership training, with a focus on emotional intelligence. “The ability to understand people and lead with empathy is critical for long-term success,” Harper said. Her best-selling book, ‘The Heart of a Leader: 52 Emotional Intelligence Insights to Advance Your Career’, serves as a guide for others seeking to balance emotional intelligence and career growth.

While Harper’s professional achievements are impressive, her passion for mental health and the well-being of young professionals is just as profound. “Sometimes you have to act confident until you feel confident, or just do it afraid,” Harper said, acknowledging the pressures of imposter syndrome and self-doubt that many young people face today. “You have to give yourself grace, understanding that everything will work out for you through faith.” Harper’s message of self-compassion and resilience speaks to a generation striving to balance ambition with personal well-being.

Beyond her work in the corporate world, Harper has dedicated herself to empowering others. Along with her husband Andre,  co-founded ‘Pacesetters Unlimited, Inc.’, an organization that provides mentorship and scholarships to African-American youth. “We want to give back to the communities that shaped us,” Harper said.  Together they established the Andre and Kristin Harper Endowed Scholarship for students in FAMU’s School of Business and Industry (SBI), ensuring financial assistance for future leaders. “We wanted to make sure that students, particularly at HBCUs, have the resources they need to succeed,” Harper shared. Reflecting on her time at FAMU, she added, “College brings more than just academic growth. I met Andre, my then-boyfriend and now husband, while volunteering for campus activities.” Harper’s story is a testament to the deep connections and lasting opportunities that can come from getting involved on campus. 

In addition to her work with ‘Pacesetters’, Harper is also a minister at her church, an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and deeply involved in her nonprofit work. Despite all her achievements, she remains grounded in the values she learned at FAMU—faith, family, and service.

Now, as Chair of FAMU’s Board of Trustees, Harper continues to make a meaningful impact on the university that shaped her. “At FAMU, I learned that everything happens in due time if you believe in yourself and stay true to your values,” she reflected. Her role on the Board allows her to give back to the institution, ensuring that future generations of FAMU students have the same opportunities she did to grow and thrive.

Kristin Harper’s story is about more than breaking barriers or achieving professional success—it’s about the heart and passion she brings to every role she takes on. Whether she’s mentoring students, guiding Fortune 500 companies, or serving her community, Harper’s leadership is defined by her commitment to uplifting others and staying true to her roots.

For FAMU students and alumni, Harper’s journey is a powerful reminder that involvement on campus can open doors to incredible opportunities. From student government to global leadership, her path proves that FAMU is a place where dreams are nurtured, identities are embraced, and leaders are made. Her life is a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and giving back—a reminder that when you lead with heart and purpose, the possibilities are limitless.

As Harper looks toward the future, her advice to others is clear: “You have to give yourself grace and trust that everything will work out in time.” Her story is a powerful example of how FAMU can take you from the classroom to the boardroom—and beyond.