We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Purity Smith. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Purity below.

Purity, appreciate you joining us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

My parents were very intentional on creating honest and God fearing individuals. I grew up in church. I never witnessed my parents use profanity, drink, or smoke. They tried to be the perfect example to us in their own way. I grew very sheltered. They kept us innocent children and tried to protect us. I have a very heavy conscience and pride myself on being a woman of my word.

Purity, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am Dr.Purity Smith. I am a proud two-time alumni from Texas Southern University. I have a Bachelor of Science in Human Performance and Master of Science in Health Education. I received my Philosophy of Doctrine in Christian Counseling from Leaders Esteem Bible Christian University. I am a two time winner of the Presidential Lifetime Award and one time winner of Woman on the Move. I am mother to two beautiful daughters. My daughter Amanda is 11 years old and on her way to middle school. My daughter Ariel is 8 years old and on her way to third grade. I have been married for 11 years to my wonderful husband.
I currently work as an ELA Middle School teacher. I am a Christian Counselor Professor for my Bible College and serve as Chancellor of Student Affairs. I have a strong passion for education and preparing our youth for a successful life. I am a motivational speaker. I speak at conferences specifically for women and girls. I believe strongly in uplifting women and assisting in finding one’s purpose in life. I truly believe that God can do all things but fail. I also facilitate substance abuse classes as a private consultant and private tutor two clients in reading. I am very passionate about our individual emotional, physical, and mental health. I am most proud of being a Christian, wife, mother, professor, and change agent.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I became pregnant in my junior year of college. I became a wife 3 months later of the birth of my oldest daughter. I was very determined to finish college. I would stay up all night to finish my homework. I would sometimes have to bring my kid with me to complete my midterms and finals. I had phenomenal professors who wouldn’t allow me to give up. I remained on the honor roll of 3.0 gpa and higher throughout the college years. I walked the stage for my bachelor degree a month after giving birth to my youngest daughter. I returned 6 months later to start on my Master’s degree. I wasn’t going to let any obstacle stand in my way to be a successful educated woman.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

You have to be passionate about your purpose. The purpose drives you. You have to show constant appreciation to your team. Get to know the team and help them to keep evolving. Great leaders are servants too. You have to be the example of how to maintain high morale. It has to be expected from the start from each team member including yourself. Always include the team in development and progressive support courses. The more you know, then the less you are likely to make mistakes.