Dr. Terriyln Rivers-Cannon, Founder, Owner, and CEO of Soar With K.A.T.I.E. (Karing Actions Towards Inspiring Eagles), continues redefining leadership across social work, education, and mental wellness nationally and internationally. This Savannah, Georgia native, known professionally and affectionately as Dr. RC, has emerged as a powerful voice for equity, inclusion, and transformation, with a career shaped by service, advocacy, and visionary leadership.
Her influence extends far beyond individual accomplishments. As the first Georgian, African American, and African American woman to serve as President of the National School Social Work Association of America (SSWAA), Dr. RC held a position that symbolized progress and a fundamental shift in representation and advocacy. Her presidency marks a critical moment in the evolution of school social work, where her commitment to inclusivity and empowerment guides strategic conversations and action at the national level.
In 2024, Dr. RC made history as the inaugural emcee for the National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth (NAEHCY) Conference. The event welcomed more than 3,000 attendees worldwide, virtually and in person. With a stage presence transcending screens and geographic boundaries, she captivated and unified audiences with authenticity and passion. Her ability to bridge diverse experiences and connect meaningfully with all participants underscores her strength as a leader and communicator.
Dr. RC’s work is characterized by professional excellence and her deep personal commitment to mental wellness and social justice. Her authorship of Reclaim Your Power: Where the Journey to Mental Wellness Begins represents a cornerstone of her advocacy. The journal provides readers with a framework for healing and empowerment, aligning with her belief that individual wellness is central to broader community transformation.
According to Dr. RC, mental wellness is not a supplemental issue; it is functional. “Mental wellness is the foundation for everything we do,” she explains. “When we prioritize our mental health, we unlock the power to create change, not just in ourselves, but in our families, schools, and communities.” Through her nonprofit organization, Soar With K.A.T.I.E., she facilitates workshops and programs that support this mission, providing resources for resilience and recovery to those navigating personal and systemic challenges.
Her syndicated radio show, Dare To Soar With Dr. RC, furthers her reach and impact. The program features critical conversations around education, mental health, equity, and leadership, offering listeners practical insights and thought-provoking dialogue. Her voice on the airwaves is consistent with her presence in all other areas of her work: grounded, intentional, and transformative.
Leadership for Dr. RC is not a title but a responsibility. Her role as a deep commitment to advocacy, strategic advancement, and legacy-building marks SSWAA President. She has consistently emphasized that her goal is not to be the last, even though she may be the first. “I’m honored to be the first,” she states. “But my goal is to ensure I’m not the last. “This isn’t just about breaking barriers, it’s about laying strong, lasting foundations. Every obstacle we overcome creates a pathway, a bridge, for others to rise, grow, and thrive. We’re not just opening doors; we’re holding them open for the next generation of advocates, leaders, and changemakers.”
In every space she occupies, whether on a stage, at a podium, in front of a classroom, or behind a microphone, Dr. RC challenges others to rise higher and to lift others as they climb. Her work centers on amplifying often marginalized voices and bringing visibility to the social workers and community advocates on the frontlines of systemic change.
Her capacity to combine lived experience with professional expertise is central to what sets her apart. Dr. RC’s background as a school social worker and her current leadership roles equip her with a multifaceted understanding of the systems affecting youth, families, and educators. She doesn’t simply speak about equity—she implements and champions it through every organizational and individual engagement.
Notably, her ability to engage with diverse audiences stems from a commitment to accessibility and connection. Whether hosting events in large auditoriums or facilitating intimate community workshops, Dr. RC creates inclusive spaces that encourage dialogue, healing, and growth. Her leadership approach emphasizes collaboration and community-building rather than hierarchy, a quality that resonates across generations and demographics.
Accolades and honors from local, state, and national bodies—including recognition from U.S. Senator Reverend Dr. Raphael Warnock, former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, United States Representatives – Congressman Henry “Hank” Johnson Jr., and Senator Tonya P. Anderson reflect the breadth of her influence. However, Dr. RC continues to prioritize action and service over status. Her leadership model is defined by humility, consistency, and an unshakable focus on those she serves.
In addition to her public-facing roles, Dr. RC’s consulting and training efforts support educational institutions, nonprofits, and civic organizations seeking to embed principles of mental wellness and equity into their operational frameworks. Her work provides strategic insight and practical solutions for teams navigating complex challenges in today’s educational and social landscapes.
Through Soar With K.A.T.I.E., Dr. RC sustains her late aunt’s legacy of care, community service, and empowerment, channeling familial inspiration into a public mission. The organization serves as a resource hub and empowerment engine, offering tools that enable individuals and communities to rise above adversity and embrace purpose-driven lives.
Dr. Terriyln Rivers-Cannon’s journey reflects a relentless pursuit of justice, wellness, and impact. Her leadership is a clarion call for those ready to take meaningful action in their lives and communities. From her pioneering position at the helm of national organizations to her grassroots initiatives, Dr. RC represents the synthesis of passion, purpose, and practice.
Her story is not just one of personal triumph but of collective uplift. As she continues to shape the landscape of education, social work, and mental health, her message remains clear:”Genuine leadership isn’t defined by recognition, but by the lasting impact it leaves on the lives it touches.” Dr. RC’s work is a living testimony to the power of authenticity, resilience, and the enduring impact of compassionate leadership.soa
Connect With Dr. Terriyln Rivers-Cannon:
Website: www.soarwithkatie.com
Instagram: @soarwithkatie
Facebook: @DrTerriylnRivers-Cannon
Twitter: @SoarwithDoc_RC
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-terriyln-rivers-cannon-24738552
Branding Creator credit:Dr. Lakisha Ross (The Brand Boss) Mediamarketinghaus.com
