Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacia Smith.
Hi Jacia, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Some of my earliest memories are of watching my mother and aunts sit around the dining table talking about life. At the time, I was always instructed to “stay out of grown folks’ business.” What I couldn’t appreciate then was my mom and aunts were sitting at that table discussing, debating, celebrating, and strategizing on how to confront life.
A product of divorce, I was raised primarily by my mother. My aunts served as bonus parents, filling in the gaps and offering support and guidance when needed. What that made for was a colorful childhood. With my first cousins more like siblings, we grew up playing, fighting, and learning as a unit. From the rec center to church, to at one point 7 of us attending the same high school, if you messed with one of us, you messed with all of us! I guess you can say at an early age, I learned to be fearless! If all else failed, I would call my family, and whatever issue I was facing would be handled. Though our family grew up working poor, what we lacked in resources we made up for with heart. On May 9, 2004, I made history.
On that day, I became the first college graduate in my entire family. Being the first person to break the generational curse of college dropouts bore a lot of responsibility. The weight of all my family’s dreams and aspirations rested on my shoulders. May 9th culminated years of trials, tribulations, and ultimately triumphs that my family and I have conquered together. From there, I was in law school, a job at a big law firm, and then ultimately settled in Maryland to establish a successful career in public service. For me, the road to success has been a bumpy one.
More times than I care to admit I have doubted my ability to make my dreams reality and second-guessed my belonging at certain spaces. Luckily for me, anytime that happens, I am summoned to the “dining room table.” My dining room table is filled with family of course, but also there are my lifelong friends from Carter Street Recreation Center, my best friends from Hampton University, my line sisters and Sorors, former work colleagues, my church family, mentors, and my husband. There are doctors and nurses, educators, world travelers, street and medical pharmacists, entrepreneurs, pastors, basketball players, and yoga instructors.
I am at my dining room table often, to strategize, to be held accountable, to be encouraged, to be challenged, and to be loved on. In all, I’m just a girl from Rochester NY, with an amazing network of people who love and support me as I traverse the world challenging systems and trying to leave my mark on the world.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Certainly not. The journey has been marked by periods of self-doubt, challenges, and moments where I questioned my abilities and belonging in certain spaces. I have also struggled with people’s perceptions of me.
However, these struggles have been integral to my growth and determination to overcome obstacles. I’ve learned that my opinion of myself is what matters most. I have done the work, obtained the required degrees, and certifications, passed two bar exams, challenged systems, and gone up against some very powerful people. Not only do I belong at the table, but I also set the agenda!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
An energetic and transformational leader, I have leveraged 15+ years of working in various legal, policy, and Human Resources roles, to build inclusive, productive, and respectful environments. I have vigorously pursued a career of service, in the higher education systems as well as the public sector, where I have been committed to the issues of diversity, inclusive leadership, and conflict management.
This passion has shaped my professional endeavors and led me to pursue positions that have allowed me to challenge systemic, institutional, and societal barriers that prevent the realization of welcoming, inclusive, and respectful communities of practice. With justice as my guidepost, I bring efficiency, integrity, and fairness. I currently hold the position of Chief of Staff with the City of Baltimore Recreation and Parks (“BCRP”). In this capacity, I manage the daily operations of a sizable agency with around 800 employees and a $57 million budget.
My responsibilities include providing guidance to the senior leadership team, formulating and implementing long-term strategies, and ensuring operational efficiency aligned with the agency’s objectives and the city’s overall requirements. Being the Chief of Staff is not solely an executive role; it is a highly strategic and facilitative one that requires me to be part analyst and decision maker, part advisor and consultant, and part project manager and change agent.
The position requires a combination of focus and agility, as well as a willingness to play an active, behind-the-scenes role to ensure the Agency continues to achieve its goals and priorities. Lately, my proudest accomplishment is co-founding my first business venture, The Fortitude Collective, with my sorority sisters. Starting from a group text during the pandemic, our business emerged from the collective vision of accomplished women driven to lead during challenging times. Despite diverse industries, we shared a common challenge: the overworking and undervaluing of Black women.
This shared concern led to meetings and the conception of a virtual conference, giving rise to The Fortitude Collective. Our mission is to empower the next generation of Black and Brown women, encouraging them to confidently “bring their chair” to every space they occupy. Proud members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, our connection is Delta, but our energy and vibes are perfectly aligned. The journey of launching this business has been an act of sisterhood, filled with ups and downs, laughs, and tears.
Individually, we are bosses in our rights, but together we form an unstoppable force. Last year, our first in-person conference was held in Atlanta, GA, and on March 23, 2024, we are bringing our conference right here to Baltimore. In addition to hosting Women Empowerment conferences, we offer leadership and DEI consulting services.
What makes you happy?
Being around good energy! Whether it’s watching a high school basketball game with a loud and rowdy crowd, or an intense game of spades at summer cookout. I love being around people and being immersed in spaces where the best of us prevails.
Where we aren’t bogged down by divisive politics, or debating what is plaguing us as a society, but where in those small moments we are all fully heard, seen, and valued. Where each person’s uniqueness is encouraged to be on full display. I am happiest when I am surrounded by the people that I love.
Contact Info:
- Website: thefortitudecollective.com
- Instagram: @fortitudecollective and @ciadalawyer
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacia-t-smith-esq-sphr-79a3b557/
