My name is Kristen Smith. I am 5’4, 36 years old, and a Senior Branch Compliance/Controls Manager. At the age of 16, I was pregnant with my first child, Elecia. By the grace of God and the love of my mother, I graduated as the first African American valedictorian of Ringgold High School. I accepted a full scholarship from Penn State where I received my BS in MSIS.
At the age of 26, I was pregnant with my last child, Oliviah. One of my goals became to show my children that with God by your side nothing is impossible. Thus, I obtained my MBA in Finance. Unfortunately though life happens and sometimes curve balls are thrown your way.
My mother being diagnosed with breast cancer was a major curve ball that we all are still facing every day. God is so good that she is in remission however still deals with the multiple side effects of treatments.
At the age of 33, I married and lived with Oliviah’s father. Unfortunately, he ended up being mentally abusive. I remember thinking “I am not that women”. I didn’t want my children to think this was okay. In addition, there was only one stable income (mine) and a total of 5 children. I was in a financial black hole, credit ruined, companies calling me left and right. It was an AWFUL time. So, at 34, I decided…”Enough is Enough” and left, for good!
Today, my credit score increased over 200 points, my finances are back on track, I went back to school again and obtained my MS in Fraud and Forensics. My goal is be a Certified Fraud Examiner and work for the government. My ultimate goal is to live a life that is pleasing to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
I AM a Beautiful, Brown, & Bold Women and ALL glory goes to Jesus Christ
