Dr. Cynthia Smith is a true inspiration, embodying the qualities of a phenomenal woman. As a proud native of Jacksonville, Florida, she has built an impressive career on determination and perseverance. Despite facing hurdles and obstacles, Smith has consistently turned negatives into positives, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to success. After graduating from Andrew Jackson High School on Jacksonville’s East Side, Smith achieved academic excellence, earning education and curriculum degrees with honors at the University of North Florida. As a first-generation college graduate, she continued to push herself, eventually earning her doctorate from Nova Southeastern University before turning forty, all while managing a full-time job and an active family. Smith’s dissertation focused on an important topic, researching young men of color and college completion. Her work has undoubtedly contributed to advancing our understanding of this critical issue. In short, Dr. Smith’s accomplishments are truly remarkable, and she is an inspiration to us all.
On December 10, 2023, Dr. Cynthia Smith will be hosting a World Premiere event to showcase her accomplishments and recognize other self-made entrepreneurs. The event will take place at WJCT Studios and will feature a live saxophonist, a DJ, and a star-studded guest list.
Can you tell us more about your journey from being a first-generation college graduate to earning a doctorate from Nova Southeastern University and becoming the “Educated Entrepreneur” you are today?
I remember having to read mail for my family members at a very young age. I had no idea why; I remember having to go to the bank and complete the withdrawal slips. I did not connect at the time because of my family member’s’ inability to read. Then, when I graduated high school, I had to trust strangers to help me understand the difference in degrees and how to apply for college and financial aid. I believe all those personal experiences led me to become the “Educated Entrepreneur”, which means getting educated and winning! I was always told Education is something that no one can take away from you. As a business owner and philanthropist, I believe the work ethic I embodied growing up and the mindset to gain knowledge propelled me to excel. I did not have the best roadmap for becoming who I am today educationally. I had to learn everything independently. I wanted to open a school to be a guide for families by providing parenting classes and family nights to enhance them with skills and knowledge I knew the community lacked.
Your dissertation focused on research about young men of color and college completion. Can you share some key findings or insights from your research that have influenced your work and career?
For my first teaching assignment, I taught Intensive Reading for 9th and 10th-grade students. These students were reading at a 4th-grade reading level and were placed in this class to increase their reading level and to prep for the state test to graduate. Year after year new students came into my class with the same deficiencies. I knew that I could and would make a difference especially if I had them in my class for an entire year, and some their entire 4 years of high school. In year 3, I was recognized for having 98% of my students graduate high school. Moments such as these students will always be memorable for me and a driving force to continue to mentor and guide students to excel in college and career readiness.
You have a proven legacy of impact in education, from mentoring at-risk youth to achieving district records for improvement in statewide test scores. What motivates and drives you to make such a difference in education and community development?
I remember how I grew up and what I didn’t know to excel. I want you and the people in the community to have a space to grow, learn, and excel educationally.
Transitioning your talents to early learning and launching early learning centers was a significant shift in your career. Can you describe the challenges and opportunities you encountered during this transition?
I believe the biggest challenge was educating the community about the needs not only for my STEM program. People can’t see value in something if they do not understand the concept. I used this challenge as a support to my program by connecting with STEM partners, bringing them into my business, and hosting events. This drove people to the business to want to know more and enroll their kids, people WANTED to be a part of what was happening, and community leaders such as city officials WANTED to know how they could do more.
Could you share more about your role in mentoring other black-owned business owners throughout the community and how this has contributed to the economic renaissance in East Jacksonville?
Everyone I believe has entrepreneurship inside of who they are. However, I learned through mentoring several aspiring business owners they lack business knowledge. I have hosted business classes to provide knowledge on accounting, retaining personnel, and management. I found it most surprising that small business owners would rather do a lot of business management themselves. I had to show them how their time could be valued by running the operation of their business and how much money they’d save overtime by hiring an accountant to manage their business. I always start these classes by asking “Are you in business to make money or make a difference?” The correct answer would be both. I was always told educators don’t make money. I believe that educators do not get paid their value, but hypothetically speaking, what career does? However, who wants to work in their passion every day and not make a comfortable living? Trust me, I did. You get burned out quickly. This is why today, I am self-motivated to make a difference in aspiring entrepreneurs.
Your achievements are quite diverse, from launching an event space to expanding your school to offer K-12 and after-school enrichment. How do you manage such a wide range of entrepreneurial activities, and what has been your proudest moment as a serial entrepreneur?
Being a serial entrepreneur can be very challenging. I am active in all the operations of my businesses. In each business, I give back to the community, to the less fortunate, or just be a philanthropist.
You are known as the “Educated Entrepreneur” and have received numerous awards, including the JAX Image Award for Most Innovative and Entrepreneur of the Year. How do these accolades impact your work and the community you serve?
People know me for the awards received. For me, it is my desire to always conduct and act in such a manner of recognition. Receiving those awards is also a driving force for me to do more for the community.
On December 10, 2023, you will host a World Premiere event at WJCT Studios. Could you provide some insights into what attendees can expect at this event and the significance of recognizing self-made entrepreneurs?
Dec 10 is also my New Year. It is my birthday and to me, this day will not only signify my work, it will also be a time for me to readjust my focus and realign with my goals. I will showcase my current project which will be the release of my documentary. This will be impactful for the community as it will answer the magical question I always get “How do I get time to do all the things I do” It is an open invitation!
