Her Story
About Kela
Kela Smith has served as a store associate in the produce department of the commissary since 2009. In this role she handles tasks such as receiving trucks, stocking and rotating produce, preparing fruit relish and veggie trays, answering customer questions, and training new employees. Her primary expertise lies in customer service, an area in which she has earned multiple awards including the above and beyond award and has been selected as an ambassador for the commissary. Kela graduated from Shoemaker High School in Killeen, Texas and pursued studies in registered nursing at Central Texas College without completing a degree. She attributes her professional success to staying obedient and following God as well as the example set by her mother, a hard worker and warrior for God for over thirty years. Kela values treating people fairly, loving her neighbor, and showing kindness because one never knows what others may be going through.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kela
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to staying obedient and following God, and to my mom who has been a hard worker and warrior for God for over 30 years.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is to keep going, even when things don't seem right, just keep going.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Keep your head on the swivel and just seek God first and just do the best that you can do.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is being an African-American woman trying to get into a higher position because it's not what you know, it's who you know. There are really no opportunities right now as store directors change frequently.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Treating people fairly, loving my neighbor, and just being kind. You never know what nobody's going through.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.