This is part of our Connected Woman Summit feature series highlighting our amazing participants.
Ms. Christi Venable, NCC, LPC, LCPC
Founder and CEO of Smile Therapy Services, LLC/Licensed Professional Counselor
Christi Venable is an award-winning Business Owner, Organizational Leadership and Culture Change Expert and Speaker. She’s the founder of SMILE Therapy Services, a multi-million dollar business that she managed to build from the ground up. SMILE Therapy Services is committed to providing top-notch mental health services that help people heal and lead happier lives through transformative counseling — one person, one spirit, and one smile at a time. In 2020, Christi was awarded the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Small Business Person of the Year for Washington D.C. As a minority and women-owned company, she’s proud to be certified with WBENC, 8a and NMSDC.
Raised in Southeast D.C. by a single mother on welfare, Christi’s story reflects resilience, faith and incredible drive. After earning her professional counselor’s license, Christi began working inside middle schools as part of her mission to reduce stigmas on mental health in the minority community. That’s when she noticed a widening gap — a lack of quality mental health services for those who need it most. In 2015, she launched SMILE Therapy Services in Washington D.C. with one employee — herself.
Today, Christi employs more than 28 therapists — all people of color – while continuing to serve individuals, school systems and fortune 500 organizations. As a leadership and culture expert, she’s now helping top leaders improve their culture so they can increase employee wellness, retention and build a happy workforce. No matter the industry, you can count on Christi’s team to weave in leadership trainings focused on emotional intelligence, productivity and effective communication.
When Christi hits the stage, your audience will be engaged with her relatability and deep industry knowledge. She offers strong action steps that will empower and embolden your group to lead more effectively. Christi works with you to tailor the talk so that it’s relevant and applicable to your specific audience.
Christi received her undergraduate degree from The Pennsylvania State University and her master’s degree from George Washington University. For more information visit www.smiletherapyservices.com.
Empowerment as a woman means…
For me Women’s Empowerment means unapologetically supporting, uplifting, and encouraging fellow women, in business and in life. The most important aspect is to do this without seeking any type of external reward. For me, the reward is truly found within helping, and seeing other women succeed in whatever goal they are trying to accomplish.