Kia Lorece Smith is a Regional Supplier Quality Manager for the Boeing Defense and Space Business Unit. Kia and her team are responsible for safety and delivery of components and materials from 157 suppliers in the Los Angeles area to Boeing for integration and execution of products such as Satellites, Space Vehicles and Military Aircrafts. Prior to that, Kia was a Senior Project Engineer and IPT Lead at The Boeing Company in El Segundo, CA for satellite and space vehicle programs. She was responsible for production and integrations of cool products such as satellites, space vehicles and more. Kia’s technical career consists of management, program management and engineering titles at The Boeing Company, Eaton Aerospace Corporation and Raytheon. 

Kia is a native of Baton Rouge, LA.  She holds a Bachelor of Science in Physics, and Minor in Mathematics from HBCU Southern University, A&M College, Baton Rouge, LA, where she was a NASA Scholar, a member of the Honors College and a 2003 initiate in the Beta Psi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority where she began years of service to the community and sisterhood.  She also is a graduate of Pepperdine University, Graziadio School of Business and Management, Malibu, CA where she received a Master of Business Administration: Concentration- General Management. Kia is currently a member of the Project Management Institute and preparing for PMP Certification. Kia also worked with the following organizations: National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE, Jackson Charter Sponsor), National Black MBA Association Inc. (NBMBAA), Women in Aerospace (WIA) and National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). In parallel, Kia is a creative- she is a public speaker- hosting Seminars reaching thousands across America- she also directs and produces content for multiple platforms.

Kia is a 2024 Blazing Pearl Awardee for the D( Awards, 2024 Black Engineer of the Year Future Leader, 2023 Society of Women Engineers Emerging Leader Awardee, 2022 Black Engineer of the Year Modern Day Technology Award Recipient. Kia is also a 2021 Women of Color Rising Star Award Recipient. Kia is active in many Diversity Equity and Inclusion efforts. Kia is a leader of the Boeing Black Employee Association in El Segundo, CA. She has also been the site leader for the Eaton Jackson’s Women’s Employee Resource Group as well as a board member for Eaton Jackson and Irvine’s Inclusion and Diversity Council. Kia also is a community leader. She works with Boeing Global Engagement on STEM activities for the youth. Kia was previously a professor in the Mathematic Department at Jackson College in Jackson, Michigan as well as is a volunteer Self-Esteem and Confidence speaker through the Multicultural Relations Department at Jackson College. 

Kia is a producer of the Reality Dating Show- Time 2 Go Big and the events- Los Angeles Sisterhood Brunch and #KIA40 Concert. Kia is the author of the recently self-published book “How to Love Yourself” (offered at yesloveyourself.com) and has held a successful book singing tour in 2016. Kia has been active in pageantry for 6 years, holding the following titles: Miss Louisiana Plus 2010 and Miss Elegant U.S. United 2012. Kia is currently a part of the Miss California Plus 2017 Team, and has also volunteered as a pageant Coach as well as became a leader in the “#LoveYourself” movement in 2016. In Kia’s spare time, she loves to sing (especially in choirs), dance, and travel.