Mercedes Smith is a senior communications executive with a career defined by strategic counsel, trusted leadership partnerships, and shaping narratives at the intersection of business, culture, and purpose. As Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications at BET, she serves as a key advisor to the President and C-suite, guiding how the organization’s priorities, leadership, and impact are communicated internally and externally.   

In 2022, Mercedes joined BET during a transformative period for the company, with a mandate to strengthen brand positioning, elevate executive platforms, and amplify BET’s corporate voice. Since joining, she has played a central role in redefining how BET shows up across stakeholders—leading communications around major business moments, cultural tentpoles, and leadership milestones that have helped usher the brand into a new era. 

She also leads publicity across BET Media Group’s platforms, including BET, VH1, and BET+, overseeing communications for the company’s most prominent franchise programming and cultural tentpoles. Her portfolio includes the BET Awards, NAACP Image Awards, BET Hip Hop Awards, and Soul Train Awards, as well as series such as Tyler Perry’s Sistas and Divorced Sistas, 106 & Sports, Celebrity Squares, Love & Hip Hop Miami, Basketball Wives, and Wild ’N Out, among others. Her leadership extends to communications strategy for BET’s executive leadership transition and major brand moments, including the BET Awards 25th anniversary and BET45, the company’s celebration of its 45-year cultural legacy. 

In addition, Mercedes supports the company’s community relations and social impact initiatives, helping drive campaigns such as the Altadena Community Preservation Fund and working alongside partners including the NAACP, National Urban League, and BET WE Vote to advance advocacy, civic engagement, and community empowerment. 

Throughout her career, Mercedes has built a reputation as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, partnering closely with executives during moments of growth, transformation, and heightened visibility. Her work is grounded in clarity, alignment, and cultural fluency, ensuring executive messaging and corporate storytelling are both authentic and strategically sound. 

Prior to BET, Mercedes advised executive leadership teams across hospitality, healthcare, financial services, consumer brands, and technology. Her experience includes working directly with C-suite executives and senior leaders at organizations such as Choice Hotels, Frambridge, Medifast, Blend Systems, car2go, and Aura Frames, supporting executive positioning, corporate reputation management, internal communications, and high-stakes external communications.  

Beyond her corporate work, Mercedes is deeply committed to service and mentorship. She is involved in nonprofit efforts focused on supporting unhoused communities, with her work featured in outlets such as Oprah Daily and The New York Times. She has partnered with organizations including Afropunk and has served as a TEDx speaker, sharing insights on leadership, purpose, and impact. Mercedes is also a dedicated mentor to the next generation through Gyrl Wonder, supporting young women as they navigate leadership, confidence, and career development.