Meet Our Board
Felicia Smith
Founder
Felicia Smith is the Founder and Board Chair of The Climb, Inc., where she leads strategic direction for the organization, collaborating with board members to execute plans to achieve goals. For over 14 years, Felicia has risen to senior roles within the Department of Defense (DoD), holding positions such as Senior Manpower Advisor and Senior Risk Manager Staff Director. Currently, she is Deputy Office Chief in the Directorate for Global Integration.
From finance to risk management, Felicia has managed her career through tapping into endless opportunities to expand her areas of expertise.
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While in her role as a senior leader, Felicia pursued a training opportunity in coaching, which sparked a passion to do more. She realized she was a rarity, a black woman in senior leadership, and decided to focus on helping other women of color reach their career goals. In 2019, Felicia founded S.O.A.R. Coaching LLC and later founded The Climb, Inc. in 2023.
Felicia earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Tuskegee University, a Master’s degree in Government Information Leadership from National Defense University, and a second Master’s in Strategic Intelligence from the National Intelligence University. Her certifications include Project Management Professional (PMP), Associate in Risk Management – Enterprise Risk Management (ARM-E), RIMS-Certified Risk Management Professional for Federal Government (RIMS-CRMP-FED), and Certified Defense Financial Manager with specialty in Acquisition (CDFM-A). She is also a certified leadership coach.
Felicia is a member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF), Project Management Institute (PMI), American Society of Military Comptrollers (ASMC), and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated.
Felicia is the wife of Mark Smith, the mother of Jeremiah-Mark Smith and the bonus mom of Adia Smith.
Monica A. Ford, Ph.D.
Operations Director
Monica A. Ford, Ph.D. is the Secretary for The Climb, Inc., serving as the official record keeper for the organization to ensure board and legal compliance. Currently, Monica is the Head of Sales for Industrial Lubricants at Clariant Corporation. Prior to this role, she held several technical roles at Ingevity in North Charleston, SC, and her first industrial position was with The Lubrizol Corporation as a Research Engineer in the Applied Sciences division.
Monica’s passion for mentoring and developing talent led to helping marginalized individuals to navigate corporate environments. While at Ingevity, she was the founding chair of the black employee research group, Visions of Ingevity’s Black Excellence (VIBE). Monica has served in leadership positions in various industry associations, including her role on the board of the Chicago regional Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE) chapter and serving as Secretary of the Metalworking Fluids Committee for Independent Lubricant Manufacturers Association (ILMA). She was also technical editor for STLE’s TLT Magazine.
Monica attended college at Tuskegee University, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. She later pursued a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Florida and then completed a post-doctoral fellowship in the Chemical Engineering Department at the University of California at Santa Barbara.
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While at Ingevity, she was the founding chair of the black employee research group, Visions of Ingevity’s Black Excellence (VIBE). Monica has served in leadership positions in various industry associations, including her role on the board of the Chicago regional Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE) chapter and serving as Secretary of the Metalworking Fluids Committee for Independent Lubricant Manufacturers Association (ILMA). She was also technical editor for STLE’s TLT Magazine.
Monica attended college at Tuskegee University, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. She later pursued a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Florida and then completed a post-doctoral fellowship in the Chemical Engineering Department at the University of California at Santa Barbara.
Karriema Calhoun
Communications Director
Karriema Calhoun is Communications Director for The Climb, Inc., holding the responsibility for establishing and driving an effective communications strategy for the organization. Karriema prides herself on being a servant leader and strategic communicator. She is a manager for The Boeing Company, supporting global field operations and supply chain management. Prior to Boeing, Karriema worked in project management and cyber security supporting government and military programs.
As someone who has experienced several career pivots, Karriema enjoys connecting with professionals on career development and advancement.
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She mentors other professionals and provides coaching to help achieve their career goals. This passion led to Karriema launching Copy by KC LLC, primarily focused resume writing services. Since 2020, Karriema’s expertise has led to an increase of more than $1.8 million in clients’ total compensation.
At Boeing, Karriema has been immersed in employee engagement and an advocate for volunteering in the community. She collaborates and supports the employee resource groups and served as Chair for the Boeing Black Employees Association (BBEA), South Carolina chapter. Her previous awards and recognition include Women of Color in STEM Community Service Award (2022), Forty Under 40 (2020), Black Engineer of the Year Awards Modern-Day Technology Leader (2018), and Women of Color in Technology Rising Star Award (2016).
Karriema earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism & Mass Communications from University of South Carolina. She also obtained a Master of Business Administration from Charleston Southern University and a Master of Science in Information Systems Technology Management from Capella University.
“When I think about how I have progressed in my career, I think about my network, my personal board of directors who poured into me and my development. To be in a position to pay it forward is a blessing, to support the growth and advancement of women of color. From strategic steps in pursuing leadership opportunities to overcoming personal and professional challenges, I’m excited about what this organization is developing. That’s why I joined The Climb.”
Donnell Wiggins
Operations Director
Donnell Wiggins is Operations Director for The Climb, Inc. Donnell is the Deputy Staff Director within the Office of Global Support for the Department of Defense. He is a career civil servant with over 25 years of administrative expertise and truly embodies servant leadership. As a third-generation civil servant, Donnell is committed to service and bringing the values he learned from his family to the workplace and people who also serve the country via federal service.
First entering federal service at age 16, Donnell worked summer jobs at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, MD as a clerical assistant. It was there that he began to establish the foundation for a career in the administrative field.
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After graduating high school, he went on to secure full time employment with the NIH Clinical Center, sharpening his administrative and customer service skills. Rising up the ranks, Donnell later joined the Department of Defense in 2007 to further his career, continuing to grow and excel.
In the spirit of servant leadership, Donnell is a deacon at Zion Church and volunteers to serve and support weekly services. He is a native of southern Prince George’s County and graduated from Suitland High School where he met the love of his life, Ilahkcherri Essence. Donnell resides in Clinton, MD with his wife of 12 years and three children (Devin, Dilan, and Cherrelle).
“I decided to join The Climb because I am passionate about serving and helping others. Every point throughout my career, from my first summer job to my current position as the deputy staff director, has had a black woman mentor, coach, and/or advocate investing time and energy in my growth and development. I have made it a point to be the same mentor, coach, and advocate to others, the same that I have had throughout my career. One quote that has resonated with me is paraphrased from Luke 12:48, “To whom much is given, much is required.” When I learned about The Climb, I knew it was an opportunity for me to support a mission that seeks to do for others what has been done for me, for people just like the ones who helped me.”
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The Climb
42395 Ryan Rd
Suite 112-103
Ashburn, VA 20148
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