Denise Smith (she/her/hers)

Denise Smith has a strong background in promoting diversity and inclusion in the IT industry. Currently, they serve as the IGNITE Academy Director at ITSMF, where they focus on creating supplier diversity and building relationships to provide job opportunities and nurture diverse talent in the tech industry.

Denise is also an Executive Pathway Member at ITSMF, where they collaborate with culturally-aware business leaders to support current and future technology leaders in increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Additionally, Denise is a Vistage Chair at Vistage Worldwide, Inc., where they provide executive coaching solutions for small and midsize businesses.

Denise works as an Executive Services Consultant at E78 Partners, a consulting firm that helps finance, technology, and private equity leaders accelerate value creation.

Denise's work experience also includes being a #1 Best-Selling Co-Author at The Wellness Universe, a member of Chief, a Strategy Committee Member at BLCK VC, and the Chief Technology Officer at Newhouse Project Consulting.

Furthermore, they serve as an Advisor to the Chief Executive Officer at Women Elevating Women, where they support and advises the CEO on policy, strategy, and operational matters.

Denise is the CEO (Chief Empathy Officer) at #BiasCorrect, a global nonprofit that promotes workplace empathy as a core leadership skill.

Lastly, they are a Board Advisor at Inclusivv (formerly known as Civic Dinners), an engagement platform that facilitates positive social change through curated conversations.

Denise Smith (she/her/hers) obtained their Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Chemistry from Spelman College, where they studied from 1995 to 1999. In 2013, they pursued an Executive Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree with a focus on Information Technology at Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business, completing the program in 2014. During the same year, they also obtained a Certificate in Global Business with a specialization in Global Leadership from Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications. In 2013, they completed a program called Careers In Action with a focus on Leadership Foundations at Women In Technology (WIT). Moreover, they have acquired additional certifications, including the New Angel Investor Cohort powered by 1863 Ventures and BLK GRVTY from the Angel Capital Association in May 2022, the Black Venture Institute program from UC Berkeley Executive Education in November 2020, and the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute in October 2009.