Past Speaking Clients Are Saying...
“Christi's content, always thoroughly researched and always spot on, is delivered with enormous energy & passion.
She has the rare ability to engage her audience, making everyone feel part of the discussion. Christi Venable never disappoints.”
Chris & Sue White, Founders of KRISAM Group & Global Event Partners
Speaker, Entrepreneur, Leadership and Culture Change Expert
Christi Venable is an award-winning business owner and the founder of SMILE Therapy Services, a multi-million dollar business that she managed to build from the ground up.
Raised in Southeast D.C. by a single mom, Christi’s story reflects resilience, faith and incredible drive. After earning her professional counselor license, Christi began working inside middle schools while continuing 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 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 change expert, she’s now helping top leaders improve their culture so they can increase employee wellness, retention and build a happy workforce.
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.
- In 2020, Christi was awarded the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Small Business Person of the Year for Washington D.C.
- SMILE Therapy Services is a 100% minority and women-owned company that’s proudly certified as a Minority Business Enterprise (NMSDC), Women-Owned Business (WBENC), Washington-DC CBE and 8(a).
ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP: KEEPING YOUR PULSE ON EMPLOYEE WELLNESS
Leaders who lead effectively understand the role of employee wellness inside the workplace. In this engaging talk, you’ll learn the not-so-talked-about signs of deteriorating wellness as well as the keys to unlocking a happier and healthier workforce -- through emotional intelligence strategies.
THE IMPACT OF MENTAL HEALTH IN MINORITY AND UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES
Despite efforts by policy makers, only one-in-three African Americans who need mental health care receives it. From stigmas to distrust of the health care system, discover the barriers and viable solutions regarding access to -- and quality of care for African Americans.
THE PANDEMIC'S IMPACT: ON SOCIALIZATION
SMILE Therapy Services continued to serve clients during and after the height of the pandemic. Our team of therapists witnessed a drastic spike in the number of clients who needed mental health services, including parents and organizational leaders. In this talk, attendees will gain a better understanding of COVID-19’s impact on the workforce and in society at large. Christi will help your audience learn how to identify emotions experienced throughout the pandemic and the best ways to grow from difficult moments.
BOOK CHRISTI FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT!
