LaShonda Smith, MPA, is a two-time founder, sought-after strategist, and social impact leader with more than 20 years of experience helping mission-driven organizations turn ambitious visions into actionable strategies. She is the Founder and Principal Strategist of Crescendo Strategies Group, a strategy consulting firm that works across the nonprofit, public, and private sectors. Best known for designing high-impact, multiyear strategic plans, LaShonda helps organizations clarify their direction, strengthen cross-sector partnerships, align teams, and develop practical roadmaps for sustainable growth and measurable impact. LaShonda is also the Founder and CEO of PreQualy, a housing technology company developing a centralized platform to help aspiring homebuyers discover and navigate down payment assistance, affordable mortgage programs, homebuyer grants, builder incentives, and below-market homeownership opportunities. Her expertise is especially valuable to leaders navigating growth, organizational complexity, limited resources, and the need to move from ideas to implementation. Through her writing, speaking, and advisory work, LaShonda shares practical insights on strategic planning, social entrepreneurship, cross-sector collaboration, organizational growth, and building solutions that expand economic opportunity.
Small Business Grants for Women in September 2026
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13 Grants for Women Founders to Apply for in August 2026
Explore grants for women founders accepting applications in August 2026, including the $5,000 Entreprenista Evolve Grant presented by IT Cosmetics.
How to Actually Read Your P&L (And What to Look For)
A practical guide to turning your profit and loss statement into a real decision-making tool.
What I'd Tell My Pre-Kids Founder Self About Scaling
Growth looks different on the other side of motherhood. These founders share what they wish they'd known earlier about scaling, sustainability, and the village that makes it all possible.
The Systems That Make My Business Work as a Mom
Forget hustle culture. These mom-founders built intentional systems like time-blocked calendars to outsourced meal prep, that let them lead their businesses and show up for their families.
What Founders Really Pay Themselves at Every Stage
A transparent look at founder compensation and how it actually evolves as your business grows.
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5 Ways Community Can Be Your Greatest Visibility Strategy
Discover 5 ways community can become your most powerful visibility strategy and help women founders grow their brand, credibility, and opportunities.
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Why Your Personal Brand is Your Greatest Business Asset
Discover how personal branding can transform your business journey from Stephanie Cartin, co-founder of Socialfly and Entreprenista.
The Decision I Would Undo If I Could
Staying invisible too long. Waiting for outside permission that was never coming. These founders share the decisions they'd undo and what finally changed because of them.
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Built Together: Mother-Daughter Duos Redefining What It Means to Scale a Business
These mother-daughter co-founder pairs are proof that some of the most powerful business partnerships start at the kitchen table.