Meet Sheri Smith | Founder & CEO

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sheri Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sheri, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
One thing about the career advising and education industry that outsiders are probably unaware of is that self-awareness is the foundation of all knowledge. As Socrates famously stated, “Know thyself.” Yet, traditional education often places such a strong emphasis on academics and conformity to established systems that it overlooks the essence of education as a human-centered endeavor rooted in relationships, self-knowledge, and understanding each individual’s unique potential.

Ironically, when speaking to educators and professionals within the education system, many feel overwhelmed and struggle to recognize that true educational excellence emerges from freedom of choice and trust in the individual. At Indigo Education Company, this understanding has fueled our passion to develop the Colorado Career Advising (CCA) Tool and self-awareness Survey that suggests personalized career matches and provides resources to help students achieve their career goals. These tools aim to foster self-awareness and help students make authentic choices aligned with their individual strengths and interests.

Education, at its core, is a lifelong journey where we continuously learn from one another, collaboratively striving to become the best versions of ourselves. It’s not something done “to” students, but rather something we do “with” them—a genuinely co-created process.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Indigo Education Company stands apart because we believe education isn’t just about academics—it’s about people. What sets us apart is our commitment to self-awareness as the foundation of learning. Traditional education systems focus on tests, standards, and conformity, but we focus on the individual. When students understand their strengths, motivators, and personal learning styles, they can chart a more meaningful and fulfilling career path.

One of the biggest breakthroughs in our work is integrating educational neuroscience with career development. Our tools, like the Indigo Assessment and the Colorado Career Advising (CCA) Tool, help students and adult learners see what makes them unique. We empower educators to create relevant learning opportunities, foster student confidence, and ultimately help learners make career choices that align with who they are.

Getting to where we are today wasn’t easy. Education is deeply entrenched in traditional methods, and shifting mindsets requires patience and persistence. One major challenge has been helping schools see that education is not something done to students—it’s a co-created process that should be done with them. Overcoming this meant showing tangible results: increased student engagement, improved confidence, and higher success rates when students take ownership of their learning.

Through it all, we’ve learned that real education isn’t about pushing students to fit into a mold; it’s about giving them the tools to discover their own path. We want the world to know that every learner deserves to be seen, understood, and supported in becoming the best version of themselves. That’s the future of education—and at Indigo, we’re excited to lead the way.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Note: A lot of things on this list only are accessible in the summer.

Start your journey in Boulder, where you’ll begin the day with a scenic walk through Chautauqua Park, offering breathtaking views of the Flatirons. After working up an appetite, enjoy a delicious Himalayan meal at Sherpa’s Restaurant, an authentic Nepalese-style restaurant with cozy mountain vibes. In the afternoon, drive to Central City, a historic gold mining town known for its well-preserved Victorian architecture and Old West charm. End the day at Monarch Spa, a hidden gem perfect for unwinding in a serene mountain setting.

On day two, head to Vail, making your way to the picturesque Piney Lake, a pristine alpine lake surrounded by rugged peaks. Spend the morning kayaking, hiking, or simply relaxing by the water. Pack a picnic or enjoy a meal at Piney River Ranch Lodge. Afterward, explore Vail Village, stroll through the stunning Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, or take a scenic gondola ride for panoramic mountain views. Wrap up the day with dinner at Sweet Basil, a top-tier restaurant with innovative cuisine.

Day three takes you over Independence Pass, one of Colorado’s most spectacular high-altitude drives, offering stunning vistas and opportunities for short hikes along the way. Arriving in Aspen, grab lunch at White House Tavern, a local favorite for upscale casual dining. In the afternoon, visit Maroon Bells, one of the most photographed landscapes in the country, or take a peaceful stroll through the John Denver Sanctuary. Conclude your Aspen experience with dinner at Matsuhisa, a world-class sushi spot blending Japanese flavors with mountain-town sophistication.

On day four, travel to Glenwood Springs for an early morning hike to Hanging Lake, a breathtaking turquoise lake fed by cascading waterfalls. After the rewarding trek, enjoy a well-earned meal at Slope & Hatch, known for its gourmet tacos and inventive flavors. Spend the afternoon soaking in the healing mineral waters of Iron Mountain Hot Springs or the larger Glenwood Hot Springs Pool. As the day winds down, indulge in a relaxed dinner at The Pullman, a modern eatery with a creative take on local cuisine.

For the final day, take a scenic drive back toward Denver, making a stop at Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater for a short hike and incredible views of the iconic rock formations. If time allows, enjoy a farewell meal at The Fort in Morrison, a historic restaurant offering a taste of the Old West with bison and game-inspired dishes.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to Danielle Ongart, Assistant Commissioner, Student Pathways & Engagement Unit at the Colorado Department of Education. Danielle has been an incredible supporter of meaningful career conversations, the CCA Tool, self-awareness, and making authentic connections with students and adult learners to guide them toward purposeful and fulfilling employment pathways.

Danielle has dedicated her career and personal life to improving systems and processes, striving for equitable outcomes. Her deep expertise in education policy across all levels of government and her unwavering commitment to improving access for traditionally underserved communities have made her an inspiring leader. Her efforts to build participatory processes, enhance communication, and ensure all perspectives genuinely influence decision-making have made a profound impact on countless individuals, including myself.

As the child of an immigrant and a first-generation college student, Danielle personally understands how access to opportunities can transform life trajectories. Her leadership, compassion, and dedication continue to inspire those around her, including everyone at Indigo.

Website: https://indigoeducationcompany.com/ https://www.coloradocareeradvising.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indigoedco/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-indigo-project/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/colorado-career-advising

Twitter: https://twitter.com/IndigoEdCo

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndigoEdCo/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwJN8zcQoJeH9WqSr7ewltQ

Image Credits
Lauren Michalka