Dr. Sandra D. Smith
Dr. Sandra D. Smith is a strategist, formerly incarcerated, speaker and Vice President
Before you became the business titan you are today, enlighten us about the thrilling adventures of your pre-business life.
I am embarking on the journey of becoming a business titan for myself. I have helped organizations in the past and have begun the process of building my brand and identifying the services of “hope” that can be marketed for myself. Sharing the tools, processes, and knowledge that have amassed over the three decades of professional work experience is valuable and I want to share that knowledge.
Could you elaborate on the nature of your initiative/ business/current role, highlighting its purpose and the ways it benefits people?
I am currently the Vice President of the Mental Health Resource of Texas dba Via Hope. I am responsible for the overall operations of the organization. My current role has plateaued for several reasons. My personal brand was organically evolving and I decided to be intentional about the growth. First with a new website and now refining the site to represent what I want to pursue full time. I am not financially solvent to leave my full time position.
What has been the response of the users/consumers towards your venture?
I have not fully launched.Recognitions, strategy and timing will all play role in a successful launch.
Having a strong support system is essential for your well-being. We would love to know who your biggest supporter is. Share with us and let’s celebrate the amazing people in our lives who make a positive impact.
My family, sorority sisters, and friends are my strongest supporters. I also have a great deal of support from individuals withing the reentry, peer support, and recovery fields.
As a young woman entrepreneur, what changes do you hope to see in the world and what opportunities are you seeking?
I am not so young anymore but I would love to see individuals begin to heal from their trauma so that they can obtain a quality of life.
Women now stand shoulder-to-shoulder with men in the workplace, breaking through glass ceilings to reach the top. What are your thoughts on women’s leadership today?
I think women have always been thought leaders and have held families together during tumultuous times throughout history. As an African American female it is additional difficult in the workplace.