Aronda Smith was born and raised in Houma, La. After high school, she joined the Army and serving honorably; deploying in support of Desert Shield and Storm as a medic with 3rd Armored Division-45th Support Battalion. Aronda’s Unit received the Valorous Unit Award. The Valorous Unit Award is the second highest unit decoration which may be bestowed upon a U.S. Army Unit (the highest being the Presidential Unit Citation and is considered the Unit equivalent of the Silver Star.) It is awarded to Units of the United States Army which displayed extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy of the United States of America.

Aronda is the owner of The Ivy League Coach, a coaching and consulting firm specializing in Leadership Development, Organizational Consulting and Professional Development. Her firm does work with colleges and universities, the non-profit sector, and the government sector to include the Veterans Administration. Last year, she had the opportunity to be a facilitator at the Nicholls State University Leadership Academy. What she enjoys most is personal development coaching. Coaching individuals to achieve their full potential by leveraging their strengths. In the recent 2023 primary election, she was a candidate for Terrebonne Parish President; finishing fourth out of seven candidates. Aronda also authored a book titled, Appreciative Inquiry: A strength-based approach to enhance the lives of Women Veterans.

Aronda’s down to earth approach has enabled her to inspire and encourage people from all walks of life. Clients and audiences alike are drawn to her candor and the use of humor. She is pragmatic, thought-provoking, and authentic. Sharing her personal and professional challenges has enabled her to gain the trust required to co-create the journey.

Aronda was the first female and the youngest appointed (2013-2018) member of the City Council Veterans Advisory Commission of Philadelphia since its inception in 1957. She is a recipient of the Philadelphia Business Journal – Veteran of Influence Award, Women Veteran Rock – Leaders and Legends Award, Point Breeze Association - Veteran Advocacy Award, Spectrum Health Services – Community Gem Award, and the Women Veterans Leadership Award. She also had the distinguished honor to moderate a panel at the Women Veterans Employment Symposium in Washington, D.C. sponsored by Redbook Magazine and former First Lady Michelle Obama.

In addition, Aronda has extensive experience working with ex-offenders. She worked at Liberty Management Services, a Community Corrections program as the Assistant Director of their 124-bed facility designated for parolees and pre-release.  During her tenure, Mrs. Smith-Benson was promoted to Director of the Liberty Management Center, Women Work Release program contracted by the Philadelphia Prison System.

Aronda is a 1987 graduate of Terrebonne High School; she earned a master’s degree from the prestigious Ivy League, University of Pennsylvania in Organizational Dynamics.; while in the master’s program she also earned (3) master’s certifications; Organizational Coaching, Organizational Leadership, and Organizational Development and Change Studies.