We had the good fortune of connecting with Cynthia Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cynthia, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born in Jacksonville Florida, I grew up on the Eastside. I believe my background shaped who I am today. Looking back on my past, I did not know that the world had so many offerings. I had no idea how to be what I saw on Tv. I became motivated through being educated. My mother and grandmother always told me to get an education, because that is something that no one can take away from you. Although I was an average student in school, I realized quick once I got to college how I had to learn to study and communicate effectively with ALL people. I believe if I didn’t have teachers, church members, and guidance counselors to help me navigate through my educational woes then I would have given up. Today, I am the owner of the first free private STEM school in Jacksonville Florida on the Eastside. I provide students and families a non traditional education, students gain skills and knowledge that will take them beyond my educational doors.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am the owner of the first free private STEM school grades VPK-12th. I have been an educator for the public school system for 17 years and in 2015 I embarked on my entrepreneurial journey to open up Minds of the Future Academy. At the time it was a daycare and an eventually it became a private school. I decided to focus on STEM- Science, Technology, Engineering and Math because STEM careers are the leading jobs for our future. Here at Minds of the “FUTURE” – we prepare students for bright futures. I decided to open up my private school in the Eastside of Jacksonville, an area that has been known to be impoverished. I grew up in this area and it was my desire to give children an education that would provide them skills to be successful. Some of my challenges have been educating my community on the importance of a STEM education. I believe there are so many negative connation’s about education and educators. We have to change the perception of how educators are valued.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am from Jacksonville Florida and I LOVE the Jacksonville Jaguars. So hopefully, it would be a football season. We would start with a happy hour downtown at the Cowford Chophouse roof top Friday evening. Then Saturday morning we would attend brunch at Uptown then a little shopping at the St. Johns Town Center and dinner at Salt Life. Sunday we would attend the Jaguars Football Game for a Win followed by a bar hop on Bay Street. Monday morning we would rest and relax and later head to Martini Monday for some jazz. Tuesday we would go to St. Augustine for the Day and Wednesday would be a day at Jax Beach. Thursday we would enjoy a day of relaxation at Ameila Island for massages and lunch.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to shoutout Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry and Rick Ross, their motivation influenced me to be successful. I have read their books, watched and listened to many of their motivational messages and knowing where they came from, the adversity now seeing them live their dream is a hope for me to one day be in a place within my community to further help others on their level. I LOVE how they give back to their community: Rick Ross wrote the “The Perfect Day to Boss Up (One of my favorite books as an entrepreneur) this book motivated me to write my book “The Educated Educator” , Oprah has opened schools and has given so much to education, which she is my daily motivation through her encouraging emails and videos. Tyler Perry, is a great reminder for me to never forget where I came from. Although, I do not know him, he appears to be so humble and I hope one day, I am able to meet them ALL.

Website: www.mindsofthefutureacademy.com

Instagram: mindsacademy

Facebook: mindsacademy

Image Credits
Bracy Photos

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