Washington, DC – May 16, 2023 – Urban Alliance, a national youth workforce development nonprofit, announced Tamika Smith as the organization’s Greater DC region Executive Director to lead regional strategy, partnerships, and operations to build the next generation of local talent. Urban Alliance connects young people to paid internships, mentoring, and professional development opportunities also in Baltimore, Chicago, and Detroit. The Greater DC area is Urban Alliance’s founding and largest region which includes Northern Virginia, Montgomery County and Prince George’s County.
“Tamika brings close to 20 years of deep experience in a variety of roles in the private and nonprofit sector elevating college and career access, workforce development and academic programming across the country. We are excited about her leadership and expertise in creating equitable opportunities for Urban Alliance interns and continuing to foster strategic relationships with our employer partners and community stakeholders in our largest region,” said Veronica Nolan, Urban Alliance Interim CEO.
Smith has served in leadership roles to advance the academic agenda for students. For nearly 10 years at the University of Maryland, she led the work of closing the minority achievement gap, eradicating systemic barriers, and providing equitable opportunities for students, families, and educators across the country. Smith has served over 5,000 students and families through the development of culturally relevant teaching pedagogy curriculum, national professional development opportunities, and youth workforce development programming. She has been recognized regionally and nationally for her contributions to college and career access.
“I am honored and humbled to have a seat at the table in continuing to create and intentionally impact the future of underrepresented students. As the recipient of a robust paid high-school internship experience, I know first-hand the value and benefits of early career exposure, access, and representation. It is my personal responsibility and commitment to be the representation that is needed for our youth,” said Smith.
Smith holds a Master’s in Human Service Administration and Clinical Psychology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore and a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology from Lincoln University. She is a member of several community and professional organizations and continues to mentor youth and young professionals throughout the Washington, DC area. She loves to travel, explore new restaurants, and create beautiful experiences and memories for family and friends.
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Urban Alliance is nationally recognized for having 25 years of unique and valuable experience creating successful and supportive internship experiences for young adults with large and small employers across multiple private and public sector industries throughout our regions in the Greater Washington, DC area, Baltimore, Chicago, and Detroit. Since 1996, Urban Alliance has placed over 6,000 young adults in paid internships and trained 23,000 more in workforce skills. Visit www.urbanalliance.org and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.