Help Us Train the Underrated and Underestimated

“Level the Playing Field: Help Us Train the Underrated and Underestimated” 

Hi, I’m Lia Smith—founder of Smith & Welch, a workforce development company on a mission to make project management training accessible, flexible, and career-changing for people who are ready to rise but often left behind. 

I’m not just teaching a course. I’m opening a door. 

For over a decade, I’ve worked behind the scenes in global technology and corporate training, using agile strategies that reduced backlog by over 100% in 30 days. I’ve led teams, built frameworks, and earned elite certifications—yet I watched too many talented individuals miss out on opportunities simply because they didn’t “speak the language” of the industry or couldn’t attend a traditional program. 

That’s why I created the Lean Intake Analysis™ Framework—a hands-on, practical project intake method designed to give jobseekers and working professionals the skills they need without a four-year degree or $20,000 loan. 

Why We Need Your Help I’ve developed: 

•        A ready-to-launch online course (instructor-led and self-paced)

•        A board game and beta-tested mobile activity to reinforce learning

•        A digital platform with payment and scheduling tools already integrated

But to grow, I need to raise $5,000 to become a Scaled Agile® Certified Partner. This partnership unlocks: 

•        The ability to train others in highly sought-after SAFe® certifications

•        Additional revenue streams to support our own course scholarships

•        A sustainable model that blends industry-recognized credentials with real-world training for people who need it most

Who This Helps 

This campaign supports:

•        Adults earning under $40,000/year who want a better career path

•        Single parents balancing work and training

•        Recent high school and college grads unsure where to begin

•        Underserved communities lacking access to tech-aligned skill-building

I’ve priced the courses between $500–$700 and offer weekend and evening options—because flexibility isn’t a luxury, it’s a lifeline. 

Where the Funds Will Go 

Your contribution directly supports:

•        Scaled Agile Partnership Fee – $5,000

•        Continued implementation of Lean Intake Analysis  SAAS [Software as a Service]

•        Hosting and licensing fees for self-paced training

•        Marketing

Any amount helps us equip more people to transition from overlooked to unstoppable.

Ways You Can Help

•        Donate

•        Share – Post this campaign with your friends, family, or LinkedIn network.

•        Sponsor a Seat – $500 covers one student’s self-paced training course.

•        Cheer Us On – Leave a message of encouragement and let us know we’re not in this alone.

Final Word 

If you believe in equity, opportunity, and economic mobility through education—you’re already part of our mission.

Together, we can fund futures and change lives. 

Thank you for believing in people who are underrated, underestimated, and ready. 

— Lia Smith 

Founder, Smith & Welch