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- TRA TRAINING, INC.

Aerial’s childhood dream was to become a teacher and in 2001, she began working towards her dream by majoring in Elementary Education at Southeastern College. However, she became unfocused and did not obtain her degree at that time. Maturing over the years, she realized the importance of a college degree and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Strayer University in Business Administration in June 2015. Shortly afterwards she received her teaching certification. Aerial has over fifteen years combined experience working with disabled adults, the elderly, children involved with child protective services and those enrolled in alternative schools. Before her involvement with X-tra Training, she worked as an Assistant Director of an Adult Day Program, a house manager at a Group Home for Adults with disabilities, a MedTech at an Assisted Living Facility (ALF), a Family Support Specialist with Child Protective Services, a Truancy Paraprofessional and  a Reading Teacher at a Charter High School.  Aerial is a native Floridian who enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and serving as an assistant Sunday School teacher at 6th Street Church of Christ in Lakeland.

Dr. Angel R. Smith, Co-founder and Chief Operations Officer

After spending close to two years unemployed, Angel decided to re-invent herself. She learned how to show potential employers that her skills could be easily transferred from one job to another. Angel takes pride in being able to identify the skills needed to enhance employment prospects. She believes learning new skills empowers an individual and broadens their opportunities. Dr. Smith has over fifteen years experience in local city, county and state government, the non-profit sector and the university system. She has served as a City Administrator, an Assistant City Administrator, City Clerk, Management Analyst, Community Relations Coordinator / Public Information Officer, Fiscal Assistant, Program Coordinator, Legal Assistant and Legislative Assistant. She has specific human resources experience in the areas of recruiting and staffing, benefits, compensation, employee relations, HR compliance, organizational design and training and development. Dr. Smith hold Bachelor of Arts degrees in Legal Studies and Public Administration with concentrations in Sports/Entertainment Law and Commercial/Transaction Law and Master degrees in Public Administration and Non-Profit Management from the University of Central Florida. She has completed her Doctor of Education degree in Organizational Leadership with a minor in Human Resource Development from Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Smith is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., National Forum For Black Public Administrators, and Society for Human Resource Management. A native Floridian, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and watching movies.

volunteer at 6th Street Church of Christ in Lakeland. Outside of work, she spends time with her family, reads, make arts and crafts and gardens. She is also a mentor and motivational speaker.

Ethel established the company on the belief providing individuals with short-term educational opportunities will lead to self-sufficiency, accountability and determination to become marketable and productive citizens within their community. At the age of sixteen she dropped out of high school – a decision made in which she later realized was a challenge to overcome. ​Against all odds, she survived and despite those circumstances she was later given a second chance. She embraced the opportunity to improve herself and has since earned an Associates in Computer Science from Florida Technical College, a BA in Organizational Management from Warner Southern College, an MBA from Webster University and is currently pursuing an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Educational Leadership from Webster University. ​Mrs. Smith brings over twenty years’ combined experience as an educator and consultant. Prior to X-tra Training, Inc., she served as a Director of Education, Associate Dean, Career Services Director, and Business Instructor at Southern Technical College in Auburndale. She was also a Business Manager at both Traviss Career Center in Lakeland and Ridge Career Center in Winter Haven and Case Manager and Consultant for the Winter Haven Housing Authority. Ethel is a native Floridian with a strong sense of devotion for non-profits. She serves on the Polk County Community Development Citizen’s Advisory Committee (CAC), volunteers at the Women’s Resource Center, serves as a Sunday School Teacher and Youth Activity 

Ethel J. Smith, Founder and Executive Director 

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Aerial Smith, Co-founder and Director of Programs