Avery and Grandma Brenda

Circumstances don't always bind us…sometimes they inspire us. When author Whitney Smith stopped to hear the voice of the Lord, nothing else mattered. Smith, a natural leader who strives to enhance lives and promote positivity through Christ, self-awareness, definition of self, and self-efficacy, has dedicated her life to Christian service. Born in New Rochelle, New York, to educator Dr. Brenda Smith and minister Rev. Dr. Gregory Smith, Whitney Smith was well grounded in intellectual pursuits and Christian values before earning a Bachelor of Mass Communication degree from Lincoln University in Oxford, Pennsylvania (1999). Her credentials led her to a position with broadcast and telecommunications giant Verizon Communications. There, Whitney served in several capacities before her excellence in management and sales opened doors to leadership positions at two of the nation's largest financial institutions, JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo. As a thriving professional in Corporate America and an MBA graduate of Long Island University, Whitney enjoyed the success she had built through her business career. However, she could not deny the Lord's calling on her life. Whitney stepped away from Corporate America and stepped out on faith to pursue God's divine purpose. Surrendering to God's Word, Whitney experienced a life-changing transformation that led her to enroll at New York Theological Seminary, where she earned a Master of Divinity degree. As she embraced her calling, she also discovered a passion for education. For more than a decade, Whitney has faithfully served as an educator, dedicating herself to helping students reach their full potential academically, socially, and emotionally. She currently serves as an educator in Newark, New Jersey, where she is committed to creating engaging learning experiences that empower children to become confident, lifelong learners. She combines the leadership and communication skills gained throughout her corporate career with her calling to ministry, using both to win lives for Christ while placing a strong emphasis on women's empowerment. Whitney has also been applauded for her meaningful conversations, insightful mentorship, and genuine investment in the lives of the next generation. This Spirit-led entrepreneur, educator, author, public speaker, member of the Zeta Nu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and Associate Minister of Mt. Hope African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in White Plains, New York, is ready, equipped, and committed to creating platforms through various forms of media that inspire, challenge, and transform lives into all that God has created them to be. Whitney has served as a guest speaker and workshop facilitator at various venues, presenting her works, What's Notes: The College Cheat Sheet, co-authoring Meeting the Authentic You, Don't Drop Out on You, and The Evolution of a Healed Woman, a six-week spiritual journal. Whitney is a highly sought-after speaker and the founder of the Go Get It! Women's Empowerment Conference held annually. She is the proud mother of Avery Turton, who is the love of her life.