William Smith is a Multifaceted Entrepreneur: Mental Health Technology Startup Founder – Federal Contracting Authority, Developing the Next Generation of Black Leaders.
It is a -nonprofit with a mission to advance social, economic, and governmental policies in communities of color with a particular emphasis on mental health and emotional wellness.
Through his leadership and advocacy, William works to eliminate the stigma associated with mental health and foster a supportive community that gives access to essential resources. William has a strong passion for bringing about positive change, and this passion was evident in his pivotal role in organizing the significant event “Let’s Talk Stigma!” which happened last June 2023.
“In 2013, I boarded a flight from Miami to DC. The passenger next to me had a look of despair on his face, and I felt compelled to ask him if he was okay. The floodgates opened, slowly at first, and then rushing out, bursting through walls of pain – he had recently lost his only daughter and, unable to confront the pain, he was self-destructing.
As we deplaned, he thanked me over and over and told me how much I had helped him – by just listening, by just asking a few questions. I suggested that he should see “somebody” automatically using the code phase, in many minority communities, for therapy. As I expected, he shook his head and said that a therapist wouldn’t understand his story, and would be too expensive.
This experience was transformative for me and is the inspiration for my most recent endeavor, mbue Wellness – an online platform offering therapy that is inclusive, affordable, accessible and convenient.
My passion for mental health and wellness may have started as an interest, but I am driven to expand access to care for often underserved communities. I want individuals to acquire the tools to get the best out of life and to transform the negative into a positive behavior. Like the man on my flight, having a moment of compassion can make the difference for someone who is struggling.
The connection between my background and expertise in Federal Contracting to mental health may not be clear but to me, it makes perfect sense. Everything in my career is focused around relationships and making connections with people. This is a lesson passed down from my father, an entrepreneur and Col (ret) Army aviator and recipient of Bronze & Meritorious medals. He continues to be my greatest role model and inspired me as a life-long entrepreneur.
Today my career has 3 main components:
▪️ CenterPoint Corporation – A business development & marketing firm focused on helping companies secure government contracts.
▪️ mbue Wellness – A enterprise offering to enable companies and groups to ensure the wellbeing of employees and managers by equipping them with tools that will increase wellness and thereby reduce long-term medical, productivity and loss spending through preventive and proactive measures.
▪️ Future Wellness Foundation – A nonprofit whose mission is to increase access to wellness and create a path to sustainable healing in underserved communities worldwide.
Additionally, I am an avid outdoor enthusiast – hiking, skiing, tennis, golf, sailing, & hoops.”
Well done William!!
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