Candice Ruggiero: A Life of Education, Empowerment, and Excellence

For nearly 30 years, Candice Ruggiero has been a dedicated force in the field of education. Her career spans roles as a teacher, mentor, school owner, administrative intern, and member of the assistant principal pool. She has worked tirelessly to empower students, educators, and communities, leaving a profound impact at every stage of her journey.

Candice’s educational foundation is rooted in her academic achievements. She holds two master’s degrees from New York—an MS in Education and an MS in Educational Leadership. Her academic pursuits laid the groundwork for her excellence in leadership, curriculum design, and the ability to foster meaningful connections within the educational community.

Entrepreneurship in Education

Candice’s entrepreneurial spirit came to life early in her career when she founded and owned The Learning Field, a school in the Philippines. Under her leadership, the school expanded to two branches, offering high-quality education to countless students. Her work involved overseeing all aspects of the institution, including curriculum design, marketing, teacher hiring, and staff training. This experience solidified her expertise in creating and managing successful educational organizations.

A Global Perspective

Candice’s international experience further enriches her professional expertise. Having lived in the Philippines, Australia, and the United States, she has gained valuable insights into diverse cultural and educational systems. In the Philippines, she experienced community-driven education models. In Australia, she adapted to new cultural norms and practices, overcoming personal challenges such as earning her driver’s license and adjusting to local slang. These global experiences have shaped her ability to connect with diverse audiences and address universal educational needs.

Personal Resilience and Transformation

Candice was married to an Italian American and raised three wonderful children. Her life took a transformative turn in September 2023 when her husband passed away. This profound loss became a pivotal moment, driving her toward a journey of self-care, self-love, and professional reinvention. This experience strengthened her resolve to inspire others to live intentionally and purposefully, laying the foundation for her transition into speaking, advocacy, and consulting.

Keynote Speaker and Podcast Host

Today, Candice is a renowned keynote speaker, delivering impactful talks both in person and virtually. She is also the host of the Intentional Excellence podcast, where she explores how individuals can achieve excellence by being purposeful in their actions and words. Through interviews with entrepreneurs and leaders, Candice provides practical insights and inspiration to her audience.

Entrepreneurial Ventures

Candice’s passion for empowerment extends to her entrepreneurial endeavors. She is the co-founder of Gentle Strength Connection and the owner of Knowvata, two ventures that reflect her dedication to advocacy and education.

Gentle Strength Connection

This women’s advocacy group, co-founded with Adrienne Shaw Williams, uplifts women through social media live shows, coaching, workshops, and keynote talks. The platform provides a space for women to connect, grow, and find strength in shared experiences, addressing topics such as grief, leadership, and holistic well-being.

Knowvata

As the owner of Knowvata, a global education consulting firm, Candice leads initiatives aimed at advancing educational excellence. The firm offers digital courses, professional development, mentoring, and workshops tailored to educators and institutions worldwide.

Live Show Host

Candice is also the creator and host of Candice Ruggiero Love Speaks, a weekly live show streamed on social media. This show centers on themes of self-love, love for others, and global compassion, inspiring viewers to foster deeper connections and embrace kindness in their daily lives.

A Legacy of Empowerment

Candice’s journey from a dedicated educator to a global advocate underscores her unwavering commitment to creating meaningful change. Her work through Intentional Excellence, Gentle Strength Connection, and Knowvata highlights her belief in the power of education and empowerment to transform lives.

With her academic foundation, global perspective, and personal resilience, Candice Ruggiero inspires those around her to lead with love, embrace their potential, and make a positive impact in the world. Her story is a testament to the power of intentionality, compassion, and the pursuit of excellence.

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