Like many, Ria faced adversity in life. She left home at 19 without a job, car, or even a high school diploma to escape more than seven years of sexual abuse by her father. She went on to be successful, earning three degrees, including an MBA with a 4.0 GPA. 

Ria’s background includes more than 10 years in administrative healthcare with several years in management including Director of Compliance and Regulatory Affairs for a large healthcare organization. Ria’s responsibilities included oversight of thousands of organizational policies, organizational compliance with all State and Federal regulations, and responsibility for several million dollars in Medicare appeals. 

Ria has a passion for health and wellness and is a certified group fitness instructor. She has completed several marathons and half-marathons and won both the Alabama and Georgia Women’s State Mountain Biking Championships in 2011 and 2012.

Today, Ria is a motivational leadership speaker, trainer, and author of 10 books, including Leadership Gems and Leadership Gems for Women. Ria and her husband, Mack Story, co-founded Top Story Leadership which offers motivational speaking, leadership training, coaching, and consulting.