LaFarris L. Risby, CFLE

LaFarris L. Risby, CFLE

CEO | Author | Strategist | Educator | Legacy Builder

LaFarris L. Risby is a nationally acclaimed entrepreneur, Certified Family Life Educator, business strategist, and author who has spent more than 30 years empowering individuals and building sustainable enterprises. As the Founder of Loving Arms Childcare and Preschool, a multi-million-dollar portfolio of businesses in education, consulting, and real estate, she is a legacy-driven leader with an extraordinary story of triumph and transformation. LaFarris began her entrepreneurial journey with just $50, two children, and an unshakable belief in possibility. As a community stabilizer, she went from in-home daycare has grown into Loving Arms Childcare & Preschool, one of only five preschools in Kansas to achieve National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NECPA) in 2024. Serving children from 6 weeks to 11 years, Loving Arms is a model of quality care, child development, and educational excellence.

Driven by a mission to uplift families and transform futures, LaFarris expanded her work to include:

* Loving Arms University, an online platform offering training for educators and parents.
* LaFarris, Inc., a consultancy guiding entrepreneurs through startup, scaling, and sustainability.
* MGB & Associates, currently in its developing phase, which will provide housing and supportive services for survivors of domestic violence.

A business advisor and speaker with a heart for transformation, LaFarris is a strategic force behind many regional and national initiatives. She helped launch Entrepreneur Business Basics (EBB) — the first of its kind in the Flint Hills Region — providing hands-on cohort-based training to aspiring business owners. In 2022, she became one of the first mentors in Goldman Sachs' One Million Black Women Program, continuing her deep commitment to mentorship, access, and legacy-building. She is the author of the inspirational book Dare to Dream (2019) and creator of two highly regarded instructional audiobooks: Quality Childcare on a Shoestring Budget and Eleven Essential Keys to Quality Care and Profitability. From 2011 to 2018, she also composed the Brown Bag Parenting newspaper column, offering monthly insight through families education, early childhood development.

LaFarris leadership, vision, and impact have earned her significant national recognition. Notable awards and honors include:

* 2024: Longevity Award – Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills
* 2024: Entreprenista 100 Award Honoree
* 2022: Kansas Shine Award – Story Time Village
* 2022: MLK Courage Award – Junction City
* 2022: Presidential Volunteer Service Award
* 2021: Today’s Purpose Magazine Feature
* 2021: Woman Minority-Owned Business of the Year – Manhattan Chamber of Commerce
* 2021: IAOTP Business Magazine Cover – Top Business Strategies of the Year
* 2020: Enterprising Magazine Woman of the Year
* 2019: Service Company of the Year – Kansas Department of Commerce
* 2013: Business Advocate of the Year - Kansas Department of Commerce

Her formal education and continued learning underscore her dedication to lifelong growth:

* NASDAQ Milestone Makers Graduate (2024)
* Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth – BSDB Program (2021)
* Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses – Babson College (2018)
* Joseph Business School Graduate (2018)
* Upper Iowa University – B.S. in Human Services
* Central Texas College – A.A. in Early Childhood Education

LaFarris holds a range of professional certifications:

* Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE)
* Certified Infant Massage Educator
* Childcare Director Licenses – Kansas & Missouri
* WBENC – Women’s Business Enterprise
* DBE/MBE/WBE – Kansas Business Certifications
* NMSDC
* WOSB

Her commitment to community extends far beyond the boardroom. She actively serves as:

* 10KSB Voices Workforce Policy Task Force (2025)
* Kansas State Captain, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Voices (2020–Present)
* Ambassador, Synergy National (2021–Present)
* Entrepreneurial Ministry Leader, Living Word International Ministry (2011–2018)
* Facilitator & Finance Team Member, Geary County Head Start (2001–Present)
* Childcare Collaboration Member, (1999–2006)
* President & Treasurer, Head Start Policy Council & Internship Program (1996–1998)
* Founding Member, Sister Business Owners of the BOW Collective (2022)

Whether she’s mentoring a startup founder, hosting a parent seminar, or testifying as a community leader, LaFarris shows up as a force of resilience and reinvention. Her story of grit, grace, and growth continues to inspire others to believe that building a business and a legacy begins with DARE TO DREAM.