ABOUT MY JOURNEY

From Purpose to Partnership

Building mutually beneficial relationships leads to dynamic partnerships.

Those partnerships can open the door to more funding through grants, sponsorships, and donations.

Throughout my career, I've had opportunities to represent organizations at the local, state, and national levels while advocating for stronger communities and strategic partnerships.

Long before I became a consultant, I was just like you.

I was trying to make a difference while still figuring things out.

My career began in corporate America, where I learned firsthand how businesses evaluate sponsorships. I was responsible for selecting which of the thousands of sponsorship proposals that crossed my desk were funded.

Later, I followed a calling that led me into entrepreneurship, publishing, then nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and event production.

Along the way, I discovered something that would shape the rest of my career.

Organizations with incredible missions often struggled, not because they lacked passion, but because no one had shown them how to build sustainable partnerships.

That realization changed everything.

Today, helping others build those partnerships has become my mission.

Because I've been where you are, I know what's possible. And I believe the right partnership can change the future of an organization.

THE BEGINNING

I started my career in the brewing industry as the Director of Community Relations - approving sponsorships, building partnerships, and investing in communities.

FOLLOWING MY CALLING

I stepped out on faith launching Living Roots Magazine, celebrating the culture and history of the African-American community. It taught me to strengthen my sales skills.

BUILDING IMPACT

I founded Sister Summit, a women's empowerment expo that grew to four cities and attracted sponsors like All-State, McDonald's, and Southwest Airlines.

TURNING EXPERIENCE INTO A MISSION

People kept asking for the formula behind my success so I created Win Sponsors and the Partnership Profit Plan to teach others how to get funded.

TODAY

I'm a Partnership Strategist, speaker, course creator, and consultant who has secured over $18 million in sponsorships, grants, and donations.

I wasn't handed a blueprint for success. I learned by doing the work. I made mistakes, figured things out, built relationships, secured funding, and kept moving forward. Today, I teach others what I wish someone had taught me years ago. I teach because there are amazing organizations that fail because they don't have the funding to be successful.

I'd love to help you avoid the mistakes and pitfalls I made. Let's get started.

WHAT IT'S LIKE TO WORK WITH ME

  • I keep it simple. Don't worry about what you don't know. I'm here to guide you.

  • I believe learning should be practical, not overwhelming.

  • I won't bury you in corporate jargon or industry theories you'll never use.

  • I'll show you what works, explain why it works, and give you practical steps you can implement immediately.

  • I believe confidence doesn't come from reading another book. It comes from taking action.

  • I like to have fun, but I'm a straight shooter! My style is a bit of humor with a touch of tough love.

I'm often asked to facilitate workshops and seminars for organizations about fundraising and sponsorships.

A Few Brands I've Worked With

20

Years of Experience

$18

Million Raised

2000+

Clients

100%

501(c)(3) Approvals

Purposeful Partnerships. Powerful Impact. © 2026 Deona Smith. All Rights Reserved.