Dr. Cameka Smith | Founder of The BOSS Network
Speaker, investor, and award-winning entrepreneur - these are just a few words that describe Dr. Cameka Smith, Founder of The BOSS Network, a community of professional and entrepreneurial women who support each other through conversation, online engagement, and event-based networking. Working towards one simple goal, BOSS® is “Bringing Out Successful Sisters” to promote and encourage the small business spirit and professional development of women.
Under Cameka’s leadership, The BOSS Network has become one of the fastest-growing women communities, garnering several accolades such as a Top 50 Website for Entrepreneurs (Inc. Magazine), 10 Best Career Sites for Women (Forbes.com) and a top Twitter Account to Enhance Your College Experience (BlackEnterprise.com). In recognition of her achievements, Cameka was listed in Ebony Magazine as a 40 under 40 Entrepreneur, named one of the Top 40 Chicago Game Changers by Ariel Investments, The Network Journal listed her one of their, 40 under 40 Business Leaders, and she was presented with a Brand Star award by Adweek.
With a Doctor of Philosophy degree, Cameka developed student academic programs for more than ten years. After being displaced from her job in 2009, she established The BOSS Network to support women in their journey to become independent and successful utilizing the power of networking and technology. Since then, The BOSS Network has evolved into a go-to resource for companies seeking Black women as their target market. A one-stop-shop for career and entrepreneurial minded women, The BOSS Network provides its members and partners with professional connections, resources, and marketing and promotional opportunities.
As the author of 7 Steps to Grow Your Professional Network, Cameka frequently travels to college campuses with her non-profit, BOSS On Campus and speaks on career development and leadership topics. Cameka currently resides in Chicago where she is actively involved in charity work and mentoring youth. In 2022, Cameka launched the BOSS Impact Fund and invested in 35 Black women-owned businesses. JPMorgan Chase honored Dr. Cameka Smith during Juneteenth, with a leadership award for her work uplifting entrepreneurs in the Black community.