We were lucky to catch up with Dr. Kimberly Sellars-Bates recently and have shared our conversation below.
Dr. Kimberly , thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
My resilience comes from my faith, my purpose, and the people I serve. I’ve learned that resilience isn’t just about pushing through challenges — it’s about staying grounded in what matters most. My faith reminds me that every obstacle has a purpose. My family and mentors have shown me the power of perseverance. And the communities I work with continue to inspire me to keep going, even when things get hard. Each experience — good or bad — strengthens my belief that growth, service, and grace can coexist, even in the toughest moments.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Thank you so much for the opportunity to share my story. I’m Dr. Kimberly Sellars-Bates, Founder and President of KSTB Enterprises, a grant and nonprofit development firm dedicated to turning vision into funded impact.
I started KSTB at my dining room table—working a 9-to-5 by day and helping nonprofits secure resources by night—because I saw too many worthy organizations underfunded, under-resourced, and overlooked. What began as a side passion has grown into a nationally trusted firm with an 85% grant award success rate and a 100% approval rate for 501(c)(3) formations. Today, KSTB empowers leaders across the country to move from “eligible” to “awardable” by combining strategy, speed, and stewardship.
What excites me most about this work is seeing transformation happen in real time—watching founders gain confidence, boards find alignment, and communities thrive because the right doors finally opened. Every grant we help secure represents more than money; it’s meals served, students mentored, homes built, and dreams realized.
We’re also pushing the field forward through innovation. Our KSTB Grant Blitz and Priority Power Hour tools accelerate readiness and decision-making, while our responsible AI pilot helps teams identify right-fit funders and streamline compliance. These systems free our staff to focus on storytelling and equity—the human side of every proposal.
Beyond our client work, I’m deeply invested in community impact through the KSTB Enterprises Foundation, which supports HBCU students, campus pantries, and families across Southwest Atlanta. We’re currently preparing to launch a women’s clothing closet and resource hub in early 2026 to provide wraparound services for girls and women pursuing education and workforce goals.
Ultimately, KSTB stands for possibility. We dream big for our clients—and engineer the pathway to “yes.” My mission is simple: help people see that their purpose is fundable, their story is powerful, and their impact can be sustained for generations to come.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three qualities have made the greatest impact on my journey: discipline, discernment, and data-driven storytelling.
Discipline has been the foundation. I built KSTB from my dining room table while still working a full-time job, so consistency mattered more than comfort. There were nights when I was exhausted, but I learned that showing up—even in small, steady ways—creates momentum. My advice: don’t wait for perfect conditions to start. Progress compounds when you honor your commitments to yourself.
Discernment has been equally important. As your business grows, so do the opportunities—and not all of them align with your mission. Learning to say “no” to good things so you can say “yes” to the right things protects your energy and your purpose. For those early in their journey, I encourage regular reflection—know your “why,” and let it guide your decisions when the noise gets loud.
Finally, data-driven storytelling has been a game-changer. In grant writing and business alike, stories move hearts—but data moves decisions. The ability to weave measurable outcomes into a compelling narrative has helped our clients secure millions in funding and build long-term credibility. For anyone developing this skill, start by tracking your impact early, even if it’s simple metrics. Over time, those numbers become your receipts of progress.
Together, these three qualities—discipline, discernment, and data—have allowed me to grow KSTB with both excellence and empathy. The more you practice them, the more equipped you’ll be to build something that lasts.
If you knew you only had a decade of life left, how would you spend that decade?
If I knew I only had a decade left, I’d spend it pouring everything I’ve learned into people, systems, and spaces that outlive me.
I would double down on legacy work—mentoring emerging founders, young women, and dreamers who have the heart but not yet the roadmap. I believe impact multiplies when you teach others how to build with integrity, confidence, and clarity.
I’d expand the KSTB Enterprises Foundation into a fully resourced hub that funds ideas from underrepresented changemakers—particularly Black women—helping them move from vision to viability. I’d want that space to be part incubator, part classroom, part sanctuary—a place where purpose meets preparation.
Personally, I’d travel more—to rest, to learn, and to experience the joy that often gets postponed when you’re in build mode. I’d write more books, speak on more stages, and document the lessons behind the wins and the stumbles.
Most of all, I’d spend time with the people who remind me why I do this work—family, friends, and community. I’d make sure they know that success isn’t just about the grants we win or the titles we hold—it’s about how many people we empower to dream bigger than we did.
Ten years would be enough—if every day was spent planting seeds that will keep growing long after I’m gone.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kstbenterprises.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kstbenterprises/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KstbEnterprises/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kstb-enterprises
- Twitter: https://x.com/kstb
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