Raisha Smith’s journey to success has been anything but traditional, and yet it is a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation and the importance of community.
As a senior consultant at Microsoft, Raisha is definitely a game changer in her field. But her experiences as a woman navigating a corporate world that didn’t always recognize her talents led to the creation of EveryDopeGirl, a platform and community designed to uplift and empower women entrepreneurs.
A vision born from burnout
In 2018, Raisha was feeling burned out and underappreciated. She was juggling high-profile projects in the energy sector, yet the recognition she craved seemed out of reach. But instead of succumbing to the weight of those feelings, Raisha took matters into her own hands.
“I wanted to highlight projects most people don’t hear about and women who don’t really get their flowers in public,” Smith said. “EveryDopeGirl shows that you can still be dope and work at the same time.”
What started as a blog focused on women with side hustles quickly blossomed into a social enterprise that connects women across industries, empowering them to elevate their businesses and pursue their passions. Through EveryDopeGirl, Smith has created a network where women can network, share their stories, gain exposure and access new opportunities. By partnering with major companies like Google and Verizon, she’s providing women with the tools they need to succeed and take their ventures to new heights.
Bridging corporate success and community empowerment
Smith’s dedication to her side hustle led her to pursue an MBA at Rice University, where she further honed her skills and expanded her professional network. Her new qualifications helped her transition from the energy sector into tech, securing an internship at Microsoft. She now works as a sales executive leading AI business development for education clients in California and Washington.
We create spaces for collaboration and growth. The goal is to win together.
Raisha Smith
“I really enjoy the customer success side of things,” Smith said. “We’re looking at ways to lead through peer-to-peer influence and getting feedback directly from the customer that can translate into new designs. I love making an impact. That’s why I’ve loved my time at Microsoft.”
Her role at Microsoft allows her to bridge the gap between technology and community-building, values she’s also woven into EveryDopeGirl.
“At Microsoft, we’re empowering educators and students with technology,” Smith explains. “But through EveryDopeGirl, I’m helping entrepreneurs, especially women of color, get the skills and recognition they deserve.”
Smith’s journey has been one of forging her path and inspiring others to do the same, a quality her mother, Chinita Smith, has witnessed firsthand.
“Raisha is the epitome of a true game-changer—boldly redefining what it means to lead, inspire, and empower,” says Chinita Smith. “Through vision, authenticity, and unapologetic purpose, she’s not just breaking ceilings—she’s building new blueprints for generations to come. I’m a proud mom that always knew she’d make this world a better place.”
A platform for the underdogs
EveryDopeGirl is more than just an online network—it’s a movement aimed at fostering intentional support among female entrepreneurs. With over 20,000 women in business connected through the platform, Smith’s community hosts both in-person and virtual events designed to teach women how to scale their businesses, refine their pitches and increase their revenue. Through collaborations with organizations like Herman Park, Smith is bringing women together for hands-on learning opportunities, such as a golf series to teach business skills and make crucial business connections.
“We aim to showcase women in business who aren’t always in the spotlight,” says Smith. “Our events help women get the recognition they deserve, but more importantly, we create spaces for collaboration and growth. The goal is to win together.”
