Mitchell Smith, Ed.D., is a lifelong educator whose career started over 30 years ago as executive director of a nonprofit youth program that gave inner-city youth a chance to succeed academically by placing them in environments more conducive for learning. He provided leadership, guidance and motivation to hundreds of students during his tenure. 

Born and raised in New York City, Smith understands the challenges that urban areas face and gives insight to the teaching methodologies that must be in place for students of all ages to succeed. He graduated from the University of Massachusetts, receiving degrees in educational leadership. Smith has led numerous workshops and training seminars in the areas of workforce education, self-awareness and gang violence prevention. He continues to do motivational speaking engagements to incarcerated and formerly incarcerated youth and adults. For a number of years, Smith was in a corporate career as an educational consultant/sales strategist. McGraw Hill, Pearson Group and Host Learning are several companies that utilized his skills and talents to provide quality educational solutions to its clients. 

Highlighted in Money Magazine in May 2010, Smith made a career change and began to work within the solar industry challenging and training inner city displaced workers to pursue careers in the solar industry. While independently consulting with community-based organizations to develop curriculum and instruction for workforce development, he trained staff and students in solar design and installation. He continues to provide curriculum for workforce development and incorporates harm reduction strategies for youth and adult populations. Smith believes that training and mentoring young men and women effectively to succeed in the workplace should be at the forefront of every discussion concerning our viable future. Currently, he is senior technical training director for Young Community Developers, Inc., a nonprofit organization inspiring and empowering residents in Southeast San Francisco through job readiness training and employment counseling. There he manages curriculum and instruction for their staff and customers.