Brittany V.Z. Smith, Program Manager
Pronoun: She/Her
“We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated.”
Brittany Smith, Program Manager, was born and raised in Jamaica, Queens, New York with an older brother and incredible single mom, who instilled the importance of honesty, leadership and following one’s dreams.
Witnessing the challenges her family members faced while reintegrating into society after their incarceration, as well as the school system’s attempts to stigmatize her son, Isreal (“Izzy”), who, at his tender age, already fears police violence, Brittany decided to become part of the solution.
In 2014, she started as a CNHJH intern through Berkeley College, mostly interested in the youth and juvenile justice initiatives where she could help influence and empower them. Brittany is committed to instilling positivity in the lives of system-involved youth so they maintain a hope for a fruitful and productive life.
As Program Manager, she oversees the Center’s programmatic and logistical planning, scheduling, organizational management and project development and completion. She is the resident Project ReNu expert, assisting community members with obtaining rap sheets and determining their eligibility for the Certificate of Rehabilitation.