We were lucky to catch up with Kimyada Wellington recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kimyada, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

For Kimyada Wellington, service is more than a duty — it’s a calling rooted in integrity, compassion, and community.

Her mission to serve began long before she took her oath in the Illinois Army National Guard. Even as a young woman, Kimyada was drawn to the idea of making a difference — not through grand gestures, but through quiet, consistent acts of leadership and support. That mindset guided her through 23 years of military service, where she developed not only a deep understanding of leadership, discipline, and resilience but also a profound appreciation for the power of service to transform lives.

Kimyada’s sense of duty didn’t retire when she left the uniform behind. Instead, it evolved. Since 2006, she has served the people of Illinois through her work in government — currently as the Administrator of the Recovering Professionals Program within the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. In this role, she ensures that licensed professionals navigating recovery are held to high standards of care and compliance, while also being supported with compassion and accountability. Her work isn’t just about regulation — it’s about restoring lives, protecting the public, and maintaining the integrity of entire professions.

Her professional journey has been shaped by over a decade of experience in human rights, employment discrimination, and compliance investigations. Along the way, she has consistently relied on her unwavering ethical compass — one that has guided her through the complexities of government, leadership, and politics, including her term as a Trustee in the Village of Maywood.

But ask Kimyada where her heart truly lies, and she’ll tell you: it’s in the community.

Service for her is not a nine-to-five commitment — it’s a way of life. Whether she’s mentoring young professionals, leading initiatives through Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., or volunteering in veterans’ organizations, Kimyada embodies the principle of lifting as you climb. She has received public recognition for her volunteer work, but it’s the personal impact — the people helped, the hands held, the hope restored — that fuels her passion.

Through every role she’s taken on — soldier, public servant, trustee, volunteer, wife, mother, scholar — Kimyada Wellington lives out the belief that true leadership begins with service. It’s a belief passed down in the way she mentors, shows up, and leads with purpose.

Today, as she continues her doctoral studies while serving her state and community, Kimyada remains committed to her mission: to serve, to uplift, and to leave every space better than she found it.

Kimyada, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hello, I’m Kimyada Wellington — a proud veteran, public servant, advocate for accountability, and lifelong community volunteer. For over two decades, my mission has been clear: to serve with integrity, lead with compassion, and empower others through action.

What truly sets me apart is my commitment to servant leadership. I don’t just show up — I dig in. Whether I’m supporting professionals through compliance challenges, mentoring a fellow veteran, or rolling up my sleeves at a local food drive, I bring the same energy, empathy, and excellence to the task. I believe in showing up with heart and holding space for both accountability and grace.

What I Do & Who I Serve

Across every role I take on — from compliance administration to community leadership — I operate at the intersection of ethics, equity, and empowerment. My work focuses on:

Regulatory Oversight & Public Safety – Ensuring licensed professionals remain accountable while providing them the support they need to recover and grow.

Community Advocacy – Serving as a voice for underserved populations and championing causes that protect and uplift.

Mentorship & Leadership Development – Guiding emerging leaders and young professionals, especially women and veterans.

Civic Engagement – From my time as a Village Trustee in Maywood to ongoing community boards and initiatives, I stay actively involved in building better systems.

I’ve also had the privilege of being recognized for my service by both military and civilian institutions, but the real reward has always been the impact: helping people rebuild their lives, uphold their licenses, or find the confidence to lead in their communities.

How did you build your audience on social media?

When I retired from the military after 23 years of service in the Illinois Army National Guard, I realized something unexpected — I deeply missed the connection to my military community, especially the bond I shared with other women veterans. The structure, the shared experiences, the unspoken understanding — those things are hard to replicate in civilian life.

That’s when the idea for Female Vets in Illinois was born.

At first, it was just a small group — a handful of women meeting monthly to reconnect, network, and support one another. We shared stories, resources, laughs, and sometimes even tears. But as time went on and we tried assigning monthly event planning to individual members, the momentum began to slow. Life happened, schedules got tight, and participation naturally tapered off.

Rather than forcing something that didn’t fit everyone’s rhythm, I decided to shift the format. I turned to Facebook, not to chase likes or go viral, but to create a low-pressure, welcoming online space where female veterans across Illinois could stay connected, informed, and supported — on their own terms.

There’s no pressure to show up. I share events, resources, information, and opportunities as they come, and anyone is welcome to engage as they feel led. It’s a softer kind of connection, but it’s real — and in some ways, more sustainable. Over time, more women have joined, commented, and reached out. The community has grown not through aggressive promotion, but through authenticity, consistency, and shared experience.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

The Female Vets in Illinois Facebook group is not about flashy content or curated posts. It’s about belonging. It’s about knowing there’s a place where your service, your voice, and your journey are understood — even if you never post a word.

1. Start with Purpose, Not Popularity

Ask yourself: Why am I creating this space? For me, it wasn’t about numbers — it was about filling a gap. That clear “why” has helped keep the group focused and meaningful.

2. Be Consistent — But Keep It Low-Pressure

You don’t have to post every day to stay relevant. What matters more is showing up with value when you do post. For Female Vets in IL, that means sharing helpful information, upcoming events, or even just words of encouragement.

3. Build Community, Not Just an Audience

Encourage interaction, but don’t force it. Some people will read everything and never comment — and that’s okay. They’re still getting value. Let people engage how they’re comfortable.

4. Keep It Authentic

Don’t overthink or oversell. Your voice, your story, your mission — that’s what will resonate. I share what matters to me and what I believe will matter to other female vets. That keeps the content genuine and grounded.

5. Stay Open to Evolution

Groups, like people, evolve. What started as monthly meetups shifted into a digital community, and that’s okay. Listen to your people and be flexible with the format. It’s not about perfection — it’s about connection.

Contact Info:

• Facebook: Kim Ball Well
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimyada-wellington-823b2b20/