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Angela Cleo Smith, Ph.D.

Dr. Angela Smith is an accomplished equity, culture, and leadership expert with extensive experience in driving impactful change across nonprofit, philanthropic, and educational organizations. With a deep
commitment to social justice, Dr. Smith has led initiatives focused on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB), helping foster environments where individuals and communities can thrive.

 

Recently serving as the Equity and Culture Manager at a local nonprofit organization, Dr. Smith oversees strategic culture initiatives that supported the transition of over 300 foster youth each year. Her
innovative work included the development of a multi-year DEIB training curriculum that has increased participation in inclusivity efforts by 35%. Through her leadership, she has successfully improved employee engagement and retention by implementing policies informed by data-driven analysis. Dr. Smith also chaired key committees, including the Core Equity Team and DEIB Steering Committee, where she drives policy recommendations that enhance inclusivity scores by 20%.


As the Assistant Director, Trainer, and Coach for Peer Advocates Training and Consulting, Dr. Smith designed and facilitated Restorative Justice workshops for schools and organizations. She also provides executive and professional coaching to leaders and teams, focusing on developing leadership skills, fostering inclusive workplace cultures, and navigating complex challenges with confidence. Her coaching approach blends deep empathy with practical tools and strategies, empowering clients to become
transformative leaders and create lasting change within their organizations.

 

Dr. Smith’s career in mediation and conflict resolution also plays a vital role in her current work. As a certified conflict mediator, she assists organizations and municipalities in resolving workplace disputes and fostering collaborative environments. She also led training sessions for law enforcement and public service professionals, focusing on racial equity, de-escalation techniques, and community engagement.


In addition to her work in equity and culture, Dr. Smith has a strong background in philanthropy and workplace giving. As Director of Services for the Combined Federal Campaign in Northern California, she directed charitable initiatives that raised millions of dollars for nonprofits and global community programs. Through strategic campaign management, Dr. Smith improved donor engagement and
maximized the impact of federal workplace giving efforts.

 

With a Doctorate in Public Administration, Dr. Smith’s academic background complements her practical expertise. Her work is deeply rooted in creating meaningful and sustainable change, and she continues to be an influential force in advancing equity across various sectors. In addition to her DEIB leadership, Dr. Smith has conducted research in anti-bullying training, equipping individuals and teams with strategies to recognize, prevent, and address bullying behaviors in the workplace and beyond. Her commitment to fostering respectful and inclusive environments is reflected in her efforts to develop proactive solutions that empower organizations to cultivate cultures of psychological safety and
belonging.

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