Betina F. Smith was born in Louisville, Kentucky, August of 1951, to Douglas and Hester Hughes. In the summer of 1952, at the age of one year, fate dealt her a serious blow. She was stricken with polio. However, with great fortitude, Betina fought back against the nerve damaging disease that left her with severe weakness in her legs and arms, a quadriplegic, bound to a wheel chair. She mastered her affliction and went on to accomplish her goals and dreams.

Betina was a Girl Scout leader for two Girl Scout Councils: Spanish Trails, in Pomona, California; and San Gorgonio, in Colton, California. She received her Associate In Science degree from Mount San Antonio College in June of 1976. She is continuing her education at a local university for a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Business Administration.

In December of 1977, Betina was employed by the County of Los Angeles, as an Intermediate Typist Clerk, which was the beginning of her business career. Since that time she has become the owner and operator of two businesses: Tina's Typing & Word Processing Service; a resume writing and consulting service; and Power To Change Workshop; a dynamic weight management workshop. In fact, as an example of her expertise in the area of weight management, Betina can proudly say that through her own program, she has lost over 100 pounds.

Betina has been married to her husband, Arvenson since 1980, and together they have a daughter, Vanessa. She and her family currently reside in Moreno Valley, California.

Even though Betina's educational program and business keeps her very busy, she still has found time to be involved in the community and with children in our society.

Among the numerous awards and honors to Betina's credit are: "Sunday Hero" honor, by the Los Angeles television station, KTLA, Channel 5, on April 27, 1990; articles written about her in the Black Enterprise magazine, Girl Scout Leader magazine, and the local newspaper, The Press-Enterprise. She was included in the Thirteenth Edition of the World Who's Who of Women, a publication that recognizes the achievements of women from all walks of life and from every corner of the globe. In March of 1996, Betina was nominated as the prestigious "Woman Of The Year-1996", by the American Biographical Institute, Inc., of Raleigh, North Carolina, for her overall accomplishments and contributions to society. In May of 1996, she was nominated and received a Medal of Honor as an International Woman Of The Year, by the International Biographical Centre, of Cambridge CB2 3QP England, for 1995/96, for her outstanding accomplishments in life.

Betina is also a published author of the motivational book, "Dreams Really Do Come True, Your Personal Guide to Success", and is continually adding to her long list of credits. Betina Smith is indeed a model citizen, and one to applaud with the well-deserved recognition.

"Dreams Really Do Come True, Your Personal Guide to Success"

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