Rising Stars: Meet Teresa Smith of Raleigh

Today we’d like to introduce you to Teresa Smith.

Hi Teresa, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’m Dr. Teresa A. Smith, but most people know me as Dr. TAS, a transformational leader, educator, and strategist dedicated to empowering others to live with purpose and power.
From a young age, I felt a pull to make a difference, though I didn’t always know what form that would take. However, I knew people’s stories, struggles, and untapped potential mattered to me. That desire to serve and support others led me to begin my career as a school counselor, where I helped students break through barriers and step into who they were meant to be.
As I deepened my work in education and earned my doctorate, I realized my purpose extended beyond the walls of a school. I launched the Dr. TAS brand to serve a wider audience hungry for personal growth, authentic leadership, and lasting transformation.
Today, I work with individuals, organizations, and communities to ignite change from the inside out. Whether I’m mentoring young professionals, speaking to corporate teams, or coaching nonprofit leaders, my mission remains the same: to empower people to rise, reclaim their power, and walk boldly in their purpose.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Smooth? Not even close, and honestly, at this stage in my life, I’m grateful for that.
As a woman of color navigating professional and academic spaces, I’ve faced systemic barriers, internal battles with self-doubt, and seasons where my vision was misunderstood or underestimated. There were moments I questioned if I was dreaming too big or moving too boldly.
One pivotal moment came early in my doctoral journey, when I was told by someone I respected that I was “too ambitious.” Instead of shrinking, I decided to own that ambition, not for ego, but for impact. That moment lit a fire in me that still burns today.
I leaned on my faith, purpose, and deep commitment to growth. Every “no” became fuel for a better “yes.” Every delay? A divine redirection. These challenges didn’t just shape my story; they became the foundation of my strength, sharpened my message, and clarified my calling.
They also deepened my empathy. Because I’ve been in the valley, I now walk alongside others as they climb. And that’s the heartbeat of the Dr. TAS brand: authenticity, resilience, and transformation.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Through the Dr. TAS brand, I empower people to lead authentically, live intentionally, and pursue purpose without apology. I operate at the intersection of education, empowerment, and strategy as a media personality, author, speaker, educator, mentor, and consultant. At the heart of everything I do lies a simple yet powerful mission: to ignite meaningful change that lasts.
My work includes:
• Coaching programs designed to help individuals overcome limiting beliefs and build bold lives
• Strategic consulting for organizations and nonprofits seeking to deepen their impact and align with purpose
• Workshops and keynote speeches that activate audiences to lead with clarity, courage, and conviction
• Content creation through my media platforms, where I speak on leadership, resilience, identity, and growth
From high school students finding their voice to C-suite executives looking to realign, I work with people and organizations across sectors. One of my proudest recent moments was helping a nonprofit restructure its leadership strategy, leading to a 40% increase in community engagement and new partnerships.
Whether you are a dreamer just starting or a leader in transition, I’m here to help you gain clarity, build confidence, and take meaningful action, because your purpose truly deserves it.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Raleigh is a city in motion, and I love being part of its pulse. The vibrant, innovative, and culturally diverse community drives personal and professional growth. Whether it’s supporting local entrepreneurs or collaborating with community-based nonprofits, a spirit of possibility keeps me inspired.
I’ve been especially grateful to partner with local organizations on youth empowerment initiatives and leadership development programs, because building stronger people builds a stronger Raleigh.
As for what I like least? I’d say the city’s rapid growth can sometimes strain infrastructure, like traffic and access to key resources. But even that presents an opportunity for leaders and changemakers to step up and shape what’s next.
Raleigh is continuing to grow, and I’m proud to be a part of this journey.
If you’re navigating a transition, wrestling with your purpose, or trying to figure out what’s next, I want you to know I see you. I’ve walked that path myself. My work goes beyond just success; it’s about finding significance in our journey. With the Dr. TAS brand, I’m here to support you in living fully, leading boldly, and serving with intention. Now is the perfect time to take care of you!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://askdrtas.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drteresasmith/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teresa.smith.98871
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drteresaasmith/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrTAS
• Other: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-with-tas-show–6128538