Dr. Kari-Claudia Allen is a board-certified physician, inspirational speaker, community leader, daughter, best friend and woman of unwavering faith. Originally, from Washington, DC, she has lived and learned in a diverse array of communities and has weaved all her experiences into a unique world view that she shares through her ministry. Led by the Holy Spirit, she made Columbia, South Carolina her home in 2015, where she completed her residency training in Family Medicine, and is currently serving as a Professor of Academic Family Medicine.
After living what many called “the perfect life”, she lost it all in 2014 and hit rock bottom. She was forced to completely start over, including her medical career. Gratefully, God’s plans were greater than her own, and she made Columbia, South Carolina her home in 2015, where she completed her residency training in Family Medicine. She is currently serving as a Professor of Academic Family Medicine at the University of South Carolina. Sitting on various boards throughout the institution and community, Dr. Kari is known as an expert on maternal-child health, diversity and inclusion, and community-physician partnerships for wellness.
Dr. Kari’s tenacity and love for people led to a fulfilling second career in motivational speaking and life coaching. Whether on stage or in one-on-one sessions, she inspires women and girls to find the power and impact in their voices, coaches individuals to move from a place of stagnancy to living life at maximum capacity and challenges all people to live full and abundant lives, exemplar of the teachings of Christ.