Sheri Smith is the founder and CEO of the Indigo Project and the Indigo Impact Initiative 501(c)3. Indigo, established in 2013, is a social enterprise with the vision of catalyzing a learner-centered education system that cultivates innovation, entrepreneurship, and empathy.

“I have discovered that meaning comes from feeling intrinsically valuable and from doing work that aligns with my deepest self,” Sheri explains about her inspiration for launching Indigo. “Our journey in life is to become fully expressed and finding environments and relationships where we are valued for who we are.”

Introduced to assessment technology for hiring and employee development in her early 20s, Sheri has become an expert in these tools, which are used to build high-performing teams, coach leaders, and align human capital to the goals of an organization. Indigo uses those same concepts to engage students, empower educators, and transform schools.

A career entrepreneur, Sheri was integral in starting a metals distributor, coaching and consulting firms, and running a small retail housewares company. In 1998, Sheri designed the first website hosted at the US Department of State for Vital Voices, a global women’s rights initiative.

Sheri has spoken at various conferences, authored two books, conducts research, and authors papers. She graduated magna cum laude from American University with a B.A. in International Studies, and holds an M.A. from Georgetown University in Communication, Culture and Technology.

“Many students measure their value against standardized academic achievements. We need to redefine our educational values to see the intrinsic strengths in individuals,” she said. “Our future innovators will be defined by their individual genius, love of learning and possessing the self-awareness and confidence to make a difference.”