Melvina Smith

Hailing from the inner city of Chicago, Melvina Smith is a testament to the idea that one’s beginnings do not dictate one’s future.

A retired chief master sergeant in the Air Force, Smith was command chief of Air Force Global Strike Command and Air Forces Strategic-Air, headquartered at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana.

Minot Air Force Base’s 5th Bomb Wing and 91st Missile Wing are units of Air Force Global Strike Command.

Smith visited Minot AFB during her tenure as Air Force Global Strike Command’s command chief.

As a motivational speaker, Smith now shares her keys to success while telling about her journey so others can create their own paths to success.

On Tuesday, Oct. 15, Smith will speak at Oak Park Theater in Minot at an event hosted by Minot Women Connect and the Minot chamber. To register, contact the Minot chamber.

With a wealth of military experience spanning 32 years, Smith has thrived in various roles, molding innovative and forward-thinking leaders. Her career is filled with accomplishments, all of which have contributed to her personal and professional success over the years, according to a Minot Area Chamber EDC news release.

As a top leader of Air Force Global Strike Command in her position as command chief for three years, Smith guided 33,000 military men and women within the nation’s mission of nuclear deterrence. During her military career, Smith displayed exceptional leadership in fast-paced environments, business operations and management.