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Photo of Melissa Smith sitting at desk from Authentically Grounded Coaching and Consulting

A little about me

MEET MELISSA SMITH

EDUCATOR, COACH, ACTIVIST (she/her)

Melissa Smith (she/her) is a passionate leader that leverages her background in education, coaching, organizational psychology, facilitation, and emotional intelligence to continuously push individuals to challenge assumptions and shift paradigms.

 

She empowers individuals and communities to dismantle systemic oppression and develop a shared humanity for everyone. This is done by challenging dominant cultural and societal norms and by centering the mental health and well-being of those who have been historically marginalized and silenced.

A FEW OF OUR CLIENTS & FEATURES

Our Core Values

Radical Self Love

Prioritizing radical self-care as a powerful act of resistance against marginalization and exhaustion enables sustained energy and creativity to create a flourishing world for all.

Power statement: "Self-care is not selfish; it is necessary for personal growth and social change."

Decolonization

We believe in dismantling oppressive systems and restoring power to marginalized communities, which requires active resistance to the ongoing legacy of colonization. 

Power statement: "Decolonization is not a one-time event, it is an ongoing process of liberation and healing."

Liberation

We advocate for dismantling oppressive systems to enable a world where individuals live without fear of discrimination or violence and can realize their inherent value and dignity.

Power statement: "Liberation is not just about challenging and dismantling what oppresses us, it is also about envisioning and creating a better world."

Awareness

Building a more just and equitable society requires acknowledging systemic injustices, examining personal biases & privileges, and dismantling oppressive structures.

Power statement: "Through ongoing education, reflection, and action, we can continue to deepen our awareness."

I AM AUTHENTICALLY GROUNDED IN MY BELIEFS.

I COACH

I ADVISE

I TEACH

I LIFT

I PUSH

I SPEAK

I WRITE

I LOVE

I HOLD SPACE

My Background

My Background

EDUCATOR.
ACTIVIST.
COACH.

Professional Teaching License

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

With my theoretical and practical knowledge for teaching, curriculum design, and classroom management, I am able to deploy various teaching methods and techniques to personalize learning for each individual.

ADW Certified Faciliator

A DEEPER WAY

As an ADW Certified Facilitator, I leverage the ADW framework to help people cultivate deeper insight into their own personalities and identities. I provide the tools necessary to develop psychological safety and a sense of belonging throughout homes, schools, and workplaces nationwide.

Coaching for Equity Certification

NATIONAL EQUITY PROJECT

Through this 6-week long training, I have learned and experienced approaches for understanding, raising, and addressing equity issues through the practice of coaching.

Post-Graduate Professional Certification

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

As a Literacy Coach and Instructional Facilitator, I am certified to provide educators with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective literacy instruction. I am equipped to collaborate across classrooms, with school administrators, families, and community representatives to improve student achievement.

Becoming An Antiracist Educator

VCU SCHOOL OF EDUCATION

Through this dynamic professional learning opportunity, I intentionally developed skills to engage in practices to dismantle systems that perpetuate racial inequities.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for Practitioners© Certification

SARAH JANE ACADEMY

Sarah Jane Academy™ was designed to fill two voids that many Diversity Equity & Inclusion advocates and professionals know well: (1) the need for tactics - not theory and (2) a highly-regarded DEI certificate without cost barriers.

Virtual Facilitation Training

JAN KECK

Virtual Facilitator training to turn boring PowerPoints into epic virtual learning experiences without getting overwhelmed by the tech.

What people are saying

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

"Melissa has been an advocate for inclusive culture as Edjacent continues to develop. She regularly contributes compelling content that instigates thought and action from our larger educator community, but also shapes the progress individual designers are making on their journey toward cultural competence. As the leader of the organization, I regularly consult Melissa on the best ways to embrace diversity and close the gaps between perceived and actual cultural competence in myself, individual designers, and our organization."

 

MEGHAN RAFTERY

Chief Design Officer, Edjacent

Events

Stay tuned for engaging learning opportunities!

  • Keynote Speaker at Americas Allyship Summit
    Keynote Speaker at Americas Allyship Summit
    October 17, 2023
    Virtual Summit
    October 17, 2023
    Virtual Summit
    October 17, 2023
    Virtual Summit
    Hosted by Teradata
  • Overcoming Trauma & Living Authentically Podcast with Phoenix Freedom
    Overcoming Trauma & Living Authentically Podcast with Phoenix Freedom
    Wed, May 17
    On Spotify
    May 17, 2023, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
    On Spotify
    May 17, 2023, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
    On Spotify
  • This Virgo Life Podcast
    This Virgo Life Podcast
    Mon, May 15
    On Spotify
    May 15, 2023, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
    On Spotify
    May 15, 2023, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
    On Spotify
  • It’s Your Life Radio Interview with Dr. James and Michelle Cooley
    It’s Your Life Radio Interview with Dr. James and Michelle Cooley
    Wed, Apr 26
    On YouTube
    Apr 26, 2023, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
    On YouTube
    Apr 26, 2023, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
    On YouTube
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