Our Story:

Founder/Program Director,

Dee Smith is the Founder and Program Director of Single Mothers Student Success (SMSS). She is also the mother of six children.  Dee knows firsthand about the struggles that many financially disadvantaged single mothers throughout the U.S. endure.  Dee’s life was turned upside down when her marriage of 13 years ended, due to (her now) ex-husbands incarceration; leaving Dee single without any family support and solely responsible for the financial, emotional and spiritual welfare of her children (then ages 2 – 13). 

This event marked a significant turning point in her life. As a now single mother of six children Dee was faced with gripping fear and uncertainty about her & her children’s future.  In the midst of so much turmoil and pain, Dee leaned on her faith to see her through.  She is steadfast in her belief that it was the guidance and protection of God that sustained and strengthened her family from this trial. 

Around this same time, Dee was further tested by the trials of life.  She was asked to step down from her full-time job as a healthcare professional. Dee was unable to keep her 17-year long career; due to the ongoing and unpredictable circumstances that arose due to caring for her six-year-old son’s chronic and incurable Sickle Cell disease. It was at this time that she truly let go and let God lead.  She was led by Him to go back to school to further her education. 

Dee began a new job and went back to school.  Working and pursing her education required persistent work ethics and many long, hard days and nights.  Some days she was so tired she could barely muster a silent prayer to God, yet she persisted in her faith and in her dedication earn degree.  She continued to balance work, home, and school and after 6 years she graduated as Valedictorian of her graduating class having earned a Bachelors in Community Youth Development and Leadership and a Masters in Community Counseling and Psychology. 

It was during the development of her Master’s thesis that Dee acknowledged both through her own experience as a single mother student, in addition to the data; that there is a consistent lack of encouragement and empowerment available to single mothers working to earn their post-secondary education. This prompted Dee to finally understand that the trials of her past were really a path laid out by God.  The path led Dee to become the Founder and Program Director of the Single Mothers Student Success (SMSS) a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization. 

The mission and vision for SMSS is to provide low-income, aspiring single mother students a supportive sisterhood that encourages, educates, supports and provides resource tools to pursue their educational and career aspirations.  Dee’s commitment stems from her own experience as a single mother student and a strong desire to assist other single mothers through times that may feel like a trial, but truly can be a path laid out by God.  A path for a better future for single mothers to gain the skills and confidence they need to support their families financially. Dee learned to believe in herself.  She wants to help you believe in you too!

* Among other accomplishments as a single mother, Dee was nominated by her employer out of over 400 other working mother nominees, to represent her company where she was awarded the prestigious Working Mother of the Year award and featured in the nationally acclaimed Working Mother magazine. https://www.workingmother.com/deserie-smith