Ebone Smith
Ebone Smith is a wellness coach, educator, author, and advocate dedicated to helping women rebuild their lives after domestic violence and personal trauma. Based in the Greater Minneapolis–St. Paul area, she serves as Chief Operations Officer of Women Empowered Minnesota, where she helps develop programs, systems, and community initiatives focused on healing, self-awareness, and empowerment. Her work combines faith-informed guidance with practical life skills, offering women support through coaching, courses, prayer lines, enrichment programs, and community events designed to help them survive and thrive beyond abuse.
Ebony began her professional journey in education, earning an associate degree in Early Childhood Education from Rasmussen University before later completing a Bachelor of Science in Developmental and Child Psychology through Purdue University Global
. After years teaching early childhood education, her life took a transformative turn following her experience surviving an abusive marriage. Determined to use her experiences to help others, she redirected her career toward coaching, wellness, and advocacy. Over the years, she has earned certifications in life coaching, relationship coaching, hydration and nutrition coaching, fitness instruction, and Reiki healing, building a holistic approach centered on emotional, spiritual, and physical wellness.
In 2023, Ebony co-founded Women Empowered alongside two partners, initially launching the organization as a domestic-violence-focused podcast before expanding into conferences, educational programming, and nonprofit outreach. Through her leadership, the organization has grown into a supportive community for women at all stages of healing and personal growth. In addition to her advocacy work, Ebony is also the author of I Married the Wrong Man, a deeply personal reflection on her marriage and journey toward reclaiming her voice. Across every aspect of her work, she remains committed to serving women with passion, authenticity, and the belief that healing and transformation are possible for everyone.
• Certified Life Coach
• Certified Relationship Coach
• Certified Hydration and Nutrition Coach
• Certified Fitness Instructor
• Reiki Master Level 1
• Certified in Health and Wellness
• Notary Public
• Purdue Global- B.S.
• Rasmussen University- A.A.
• Twin Cities Recovery Project
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to, first and foremost, God. I do. I wouldn't be where I am and who I am without the influence of God. That's first and foremost for me. And definitely just my experiences, the things I've gone through - motherhood, you know, wifehood, sisterhood, all of those things. Coming out of a place of abuse, not having the appropriate self-love, not having the appropriate self-awareness, and just wanting to help women. I wasn't always a woman's woman. I've made poor decisions, and so just helping women became my purpose. I wrote a book on my marriage failing called 'I Married the Wrong Man.' Very much so, just coming out of that abusive marriage and wanting to help women in domestic violence situations find their voices, find themselves again, and to be able to have their voice and the power to walk away from certain situations - that pushed me to want to do so many things.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The master of all things is the master of none. I was told when I was getting all my certifications that while I'm doing all these things, where does your passion lie in everything that you're doing? And I had to think about that. You could have all the things, but not master anything in any of them, because none of them mean anything to you. I was also told to do it with passion, and not for the accolades. Sometimes we do things for the accolades, you know?
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is to find your voice, build self-awareness and self-love, and never be afraid to seek help or support when you need it. Focus on work that aligns with your passion and purpose, because when you lead with authenticity and conviction, you can create meaningful change not only for yourself, but for others as well.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in this field is that domestic violence and emotionally abusive relationship dynamics often remain hidden, leaving many survivors without the support they need after leaving those situations. At the same time, there is a growing opportunity to expand post-abuse survivorship services, education, and community-based support systems that help women heal, rebuild confidence, and thrive long-term.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are faith in God, integrity, self-awareness, and having a genuine passion for helping others rather than seeking recognition. I also deeply value family time with my daughter and husband, and I love traveling, dancing, singing karaoke, and creating joyful moments with the people I love most.
Locations
Ebone Smith
5930 candace ave, Invergrove Heights, MN 55076