KDS

Kristine Smith stands as a beacon of inspiration, deeply rooted in faith, family, and service. Born in Oakland, California, she has dedicated her life to leaving a positive imprint on everyone she encounters. Following a transformative pituitary brain surgery in June 1993, Kristine committed her life to making a difference, a promise that has guided her path ever since.

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As the CEO and Co-Founder of InSpira Performing Arts, Kristine has cultivated spaces in Newark, Highland Park, and North Plainfield since May 2002, where dance and creativity flourish. Her passion for inclusivity in the arts led to the publication of "Let's Dance," an inspirational coloring book for children, in November 2019, celebrating diversity and joy in dance.

July 2020 marked the launch of the "Got InSpiration Podcast," a platform celebrating ordinary individuals achieving the extraordinary, further extending Kristine's mission of empowerment and inspiration. In March 2021, she embraced the role of a registered therapy dog handler with her Mini Golden Doodle, Koko, bringing comfort and joy to many.

Kristine's voice resonates at various events, sharing insights on navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship, staying true to one's values, and overcoming life's hurdles.

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Educationally, Kristine holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Media Arts from Clark Atlanta University and a Master of Science in Sports Administration from Georgia State University. Her academic and professional journey is adorned with accolades, including winning the Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership’s Business Plan Competition in 2010 and graduating from the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program in 2014. Kristine's commitment to lifelong learning and leadership is evidenced by her participation in the Rutgers University Entrepreneurs Pioneers Initiative and the SBA Emerging Leaders program.

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A proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Kristine's dedication to community service and leadership has been recognized through numerous awards, including the Woman of Achievement Award and the Leader in the Arts Award from the National Council of Negro Women in 2019.

Serving on the Board of Directors for Dance New Jersey and as a member of the First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens, Kristine's influence extends across the arts and her community. She cherishes her roles as a wife to Leon Smith, a mother to twins Kiara and Kiana, and a caregiver to her centenarian father, Mr. Leroy Mitchell, alongside her therapy dog, Koko. Kristine Smith's story is a testament to the power of resilience, faith, and the profound impact of dedicating one's life to the service of others.