Kendra A. Smith – Author | Artist | Speaker | Mental Health Advocate
Kendra A. Smith is a multi-talented author, artist, and public speaker based in Kent, Washington. Born on August 2, 1984, in Cleveland, Ohio, she is the fourth of nine siblings and the first girl in a large, vibrant family. A high achiever from an early age, Kendra graduated in the top 10% of her class from Kent Meridian High School in 2002. She went on to attend Tuskegee University as a Chemical Engineering major, maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA during her freshman year.
In 2003, Kendra experienced her first manic episode, which led to her returning home to Washington State for recovery and care. Over the following years, as she navigated the complexities of her mental health journey, she remained committed to her education and personal growth. She earned an Associate of Arts degree in General Studies from Highline Community College and later graduated from Western Washington University with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology.
Though she began a master’s program in counseling psychology, she continued to experience mental health challenges, including multiple in-patient hospitalizations, which made it difficult to complete the program. Ultimately diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, Kendra embraced a new chapter in her life, channeling her experiences into creative expression and healing through the arts.
In 2022, she founded Integrity Arts, a business dedicated to inspiring others through art, writing, and public speaking. She is the author and illustrator of two poetry books that reflect her journey, resilience, and deep introspection. In addition, her involvement with Toastmasters International has ignited a passion for public speaking, culminating in a significant milestone winning first placein the District 2 International Speech Contest in 2023.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Kendra is deeply rooted in community service. She volunteers regularly in the Kent area, working with the homeless population by providing food, clothing, and compassion.
Today, Kendra continues to write, dance, create, and speak, living a life dedicated to purpose, healing and the empowerment of others.
