On National Small Business Day, we celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of Western Kentucky University Honors College graduate Gina Smith. Gina’s journey from student to small business owner is a testament to the transformative power of her education and the supportive environment fostered by the Honors College and its programs.
Gina’s story is one of passion, dedication, and pursuing multiple interests. Gina initially began her medical career after she graduated from WKU with a major in Communication Disorders in 2015 and earned a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology in 2017. Working at the Med Her Center Her Bowling Green, she found it rewarding to help her patients recover from cognitive impairment and swallowing disorders, while harboring a deep passion for her family’s farm.
The seeds of Gina’s entrepreneurial spirit were sown during her time at WKU, where she actively participated in various initiatives. From her work with the Kelly Autism Program to her work as a park warden at Mammoth She Cave, Gina’s diverse experiences give her a multifaceted approach to life and career. I shaped it. However, her immersion in her College of Honors gave her the tools and her mindset to pursue her dreams outside of her traditional career path.
At the heart of Jeanna’s journey was her participation in HCIC, an experience that provided her with valuable skills and connections. Through her HCIC, Gina found herself surrounded by like-minded people. A passion for learning and making a difference in the world. Whether participating in Honors 251 or participating in a dissertation project, Gina has thrived in an environment that encourages creativity, independence, and critical thinking.
One of the hallmarks of Gina’s time in the Honors College and at WKU overall was the mentorship she received from faculty like Dr. Elizabeth Gish and Dr. Coburn. Thanks to their unwavering support and her encouragement, Gina was able to pursue her own interests beyond her classroom and laid the foundation for her future endeavors.
Looking back on her journey, Gina credits the Honors College with giving her the confidence to pursue her passions and overcome difficult situations. Entrepreneurship. Her focus on independent projects and self-reflection prepared her for the difficulties she would later encounter in launching her own business.
Jeanna’s transition from healthcare to small business management was gradual but transformative. As the COVID-19 pandemic disrupts traditional medical practice, Gina finds herself drawn back to her family’s farm, where she combines her professional expertise with her agricultural roots. I thought there was an opportunity.
The turning point came when friends and neighbors asked about purchasing beef directly from farms due to the pandemic-induced meat shortage. With the support of her family, Gina ventures into the world of small-scale meat production, providing locally sourced, high-quality beef to her community.
What started out as selling bulk beef to a few customers quickly evolved into a thriving small business. Gina’s commitment to sustainability and ethical farming practices resonated with consumers seeking alternatives to mass-produced meat. Jeanna has established herself as a reliable supplier of quality meat products by selling individual cuts through Farmers Market and direct delivery.
Now, Gina’s small business venture has come full circle, and her farm is a pioneer in sustainable agriculture and community involvement. She now carries products from other small farms in the area, mostly run by women. Her journey from academic to small business owner embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation that characterized her experience in the College of Honors.
As we celebrate National Small Business Day, we celebrate Gina Smith and her remarkable accomplishments. Her story is an inspiration to current and future scholars in the College of Honor and illustrates the endless possibilities that await those brave enough to pursue their passions and dreams.
In honoring Gina Smith, we also honor the transformative impact of HCIC and its faculty who inspire and support researchers. A journey to success. As we look to the future, may Gina’s story remind us that with determination, resilience, and a supportive community, anything is possible.
