Dr. Demetrice Smith is an author, entrepreneur, mentor, Ordained Elder, and mental health activist with over 17 years of professional and leadership experience. Demetrice is a graduate of Texas Wesleyan University and holds Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and Communications, a Master of Science Degree in Leadership from Walden University, and a Doctorate of Business Administration also from Walden University. She is passionate about igniting the leadership potential in others and holds a Master Coaching Certification from The Association for Talent Development.

Dr. Smith is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Creeping Vines Online, a nonprofit organization 501c3 corporation dedicated to mental health awareness, education, advocacy and training. She founded Creeping Vines Online initially with a focus on women’s mental health concerns and later expanded the conversation through a curriculum offering selections to include men’s mental health and youth mental health. Her motto: Gaining Victory, is part of her personal testimony after 30 years of living in a cave called depression. She is passionate about removing the stigma surrounding mental health through awareness, assessments, education, resources, and training.

Although she has had success with customized training plans for companies wanting to educate their workforce on mental health, she is most proud of the work with law enforcement agencies across the state to help them recognize and respond more compassionately and safely to those with mental health challenges.