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.
Felicia Gee
Board Member
Felicia Gee is the Director of Program Development and Membership Experience responsible for assessing and designing impactful programs, enhancing the member experience, and fostering meaningful engagement through events, resources, and community initiatives.
She is a visionary leader with over a decade of experience driving quality improvement, strategic innovation, and educational equity. As the Director of Quality Improvement at Boys & Girls Clubs of America, she cultivates excellence through data-informed strategies, professional development, and collaborative system enhancements.
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Her expertise in curriculum development, culturally responsive practices, and organizational leadership has positioned her as a catalyst for transformative change within the nonprofit and education sectors.
Felicia’s career began in K-12 education, where she served as a science teacher before advancing into leadership roles in Bridgeport, CT—the community where she grew up. Her journey has been defined by a steadfast commitment to serving communities with unmet needs, ensuring that students have access to high-quality instruction and transformative learning opportunities. From the classroom to leadership positions, she has championed culturally responsive practices, curriculum innovation, and strategic initiatives that drive systemic improvement. Her dedication to equity and empowerment is what makes The Climb’s mission deeply personal to her—she resonates with its commitment to breaking barriers and uplifting women of color into leadership roles.
Felicia holds a Bachelor’s degree from Central Connecticut State University and a Master’s in Education, Curriculum and Instruction from Liberty University. She is currently pursuing her second Master’s degree in Human Resource and Employee Relations at Penn State, further deepening her expertise in organizational strategy and workforce development.
Beyond her professional commitments, Felicia is deeply passionate about mentorship, guiding three former students as they embark on their academic and career journeys. In her personal time, she enjoys crafting new vegan recipes, indulging in shopping excursions, and embracing the adventure of solo travel. Her unwavering dedication to empowerment, education, and systemic progress makes her a formidable force in reshaping industries for lasting impact.
“I am deeply committed to The Climb’s mission because I have experienced firsthand the transformative power of others supporting me in their pursuit of career aspirations, and this continues to happen even now. I would not be the woman I am today without the shoulders and hands of those who have lifted me up, so it is only right to pay it forward. I also understand what it feels like to be qualified, experienced, yet still overlooked. Being able to help other women navigate their journey with strategic guidance brings me great joy.”
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.”
Waveney Belle
Director of Strategy & Governance
Waveney Belle is the Director of Strategy & Governance for The Climb, Inc., where she supports efforts to expand access, community, and mentorship for aspiring leaders. With more than 20 years of leadership experience, Waveney is an enterprise transformation executive known for leading human capital strategy, organizational redesign, and talent development across Fortune 100 and 500 companies, including Citibank, Sears, USAA, and Kemper. She has guided executive teams through growth and reinvention, shaping the careers of tens of thousands of professionals through bold workforce strategies and inclusive leadership models that unlock both performance and potential.
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Her career spans senior leadership roles in Human Resources, Risk Management, and Operations, giving her the ability to lead at the intersection of people and business transformation. She founded Executive Edge Professional Services to partner with C-Suite leaders, boards, and HR professionals to navigate complex change, scale leadership impact, and activate the talent strategies that power long-term business growth.
Waveney is a lifelong champion of inclusive leadership development. She has launched enterprise DEIB initiatives, mentored emerging talent, and designed executive programs to elevate future decision-makers. Her leadership reflects a belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to rise with clarity, courage, and purpose.
She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting from Florida Atlantic University and is completing her master’s in organizational development. She is also a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and an active member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and The Athena Alliance.
Waveney lives in San Antonio with her husband and son. A globe-trotter with a foodie’s heart, she finds joy in exploring local food, wine, and culture. She is on a mission with her family to visit all 50 U.S. states by 2035.
“The Climb represents everything I believe about leadership. It is about creating space, lifting up others, and building bridges for those coming behind us. I joined this board because I know firsthand the power of being mentored, seen, and championed. My career has been shaped by those who invested their time, opened doors, and believed in my potential. It is both a responsibility and a privilege to extend that same hand to others. I want to multiply access, amplify voices, and help more women of color rise with confidence and community while also giving them the opportunity to build expertise, acquire new skills, and lead with lasting impact.”
Saima Siddiqi, MSEM, MHA, CLSSBB
Board Member
Saima Siddiqi is the Director of Strategic Engagement and Partnerships responsible for cultivating corporate partnerships, building strategic alliances, and leading resource development efforts through donor engagement, sponsorship acquisition, and cross-sector collaboration.
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She currently serves in leadership roles supporting business transformation, regulatory operations, and process improvement for national healthcare organizations, and brings a deep commitment to mission-driven work.