participating in a myriad of community service efforts that have helped make a substantial impact on the state she calls home.
One example is her role as co-founder of the Wing 2 Wing Foundation along with her husband, Brad, whom she also serves alongside as first lady of Marshall University. Smith says Wing 2 Wing operates on three pillars— education, entrepreneurship and environment— because they work together to create lasting change.
“ In Appalachia, where potential is abundant but opportunity has often been scarce, these three pillars work together to help people not just survive but thrive,” she says.“ Our goal is to invest in people and help communities rise on their own terms.”
Smith is also the chair of the New Horizons Committee at the West Virginia First Foundation; co-chair of the Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute; board member of The Education Alliance, the Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences and the New Opportunity School for Women; and founder of Marshall University’ s BOLD Leadership Academy and the Women Warriors Summit. Out of all her successes, Smith considers the Women’ s Warriors Summit to be one of the greatest, as she worked hard to make the dream a reality and is able to help hundreds of men and women excel in their work
and personal lives through the program.
“ What inspires me is the belief that potential is everywhere, but opportunity is not,” she says.“ I’ ve seen what happens when a woman is given the tools to lead, a student is given a path forward or a community is given the resources to heal. Whether it’ s through the Women Warriors Summit, the Wing 2 Wing Foundation, as first lady of Marshall University or the organizations I’ m honored to serve, my work is driven by a deep desire to create those moments where someone feels seen, supported and empowered to rise. That’ s what keeps me going.”
Smith also served as mentor for young at-risk Latina women as part of the Court Appointed Special Advocates Association and currently for women in leadership programs who seek her advice.
“ Mentoring is one of the most important things I have done because it creates a bridge between potential and possibility,” she says.“ I know I don’ t just provide guidance but affirmation, which can be the catalyst that changes the course of someone’ s life or career.”
Smith currently resides with her husband in Huntington, WV, at the President’ s House, where she enjoys walks in the park, spending time outdoors and watching community members appreciate nature. One of her greatest
joys in life is being a mother to her two daughters, Payton and Devon. She is also an avid golfer and loves to travel, embracing every opportunity to explore new places.
After living in states across the country, including Silicon Valley, she says the Mountain State stands out for how its communities uplift their neighbors.
She hopes to one day help West Virginians develop an abundant mindset, where they take what they have and make the most of it. She says with this new mindset, the state can begin to write a new story rooted in possibility.
“ This state is filled with talent, grit and heart, but for too long its communities have been overlooked,” Smith says.“ I am here because I see what’ s possible when people are given the resources and support they deserve. West Virginians don’ t need to be told what they lack, they need to be believed in. I believe in them fully.” •
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