Felicia Smith has carved a path of excellence within the Department of Defense (DoD), ascending to senior leadership roles that include Senior Manpower Advisor, Senior Risk Manager, Staff Director, and her current position as Chief of Staff for the Directorate for Global Integration. Along this journey, she has honed her expertise in navigating complex systems, fostering innovation, and championing strategic integration at the highest levels.

But Felicia’s impact extends far beyond the DoD. Recognizing the challenges women of color face in accessing leadership opportunities, she turned her own experiences into a mission to empower others. In 2019, Felicia founded S.O.A.R. Coaching L.L.C., where she serves as CEO and certified Leadership Coach. Her approach is grounded in helping women of color embrace their authentic selves, define their unique leadership style, and cultivate the skills to achieve their professional aspirations.

Her passion for empowerment reached new heights in 2023 with the creation of The Climb, a nonprofit dedicated to scaling S.O.A.R.’s principles for a broader impact. The Climb provides a safe space for women of color to connect, share, and grow while equipping them with the tools and networks needed to break through barriers and rise into leadership roles.

Felicia is a sought-after speaker at professional conferences, where her engaging workshops inspire and educate. She equips women with the resources, stories, and strategies to confidently navigate their careers—through mentorship, advocacy, and a robust community of allies.

Her academic credentials include a bachelor’s degree in Finance from Tuskegee University, and two master’s degrees in Government Information Leadership (National Defense University) and Strategic Intelligence (National Intelligence University). Felicia’s impressive certifications underscore her commitment to professional excellence, including:

• Associate Certified Coach (ACC)

• Project Management Professional (PMP)

• Associate in Risk Management-Enterprise Wide Risk Management (ARM-E)

• RIMS-Certified Risk Management Professional for Federal Government (RIMS-CRMP-FED)

• Certified Defense Financial Manager with Acquisition Specialty (CDFM-A)

Beyond her professional pursuits, Felicia is a member of the International Coaching Federation (I.C.F.), Project Management Institute (P.M.I.), American Society of Military Comptrollers (A.S.M.C.), and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

A proud resident of Northern Virginia, Felicia finds joy in her role as a devoted wife to Mark Smith and mother to Jeremiah-Mark Smith, while cherishing her bond as a bonus mom to Adia Smith.

Felicia Smith is not just a leader—she’s a visionary, paving the way for others to rise, inspire, and lead with authenticity and purpose.