Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic

Loren Smith

Columbus,OH

Summary

Advocate and leader dedicated to advancing human rights and fostering equitable futures through bridging international advocacy with policymaking. Extensive experience in creating and implementing programs that empower communities, elevate marginalized voices, and address systemic inequities. Founder of Urban Launch School, facilitating sustainable economic opportunities for minority entrepreneurs. Producer for Native Land Pod, leveraging media to educate global audiences on human rights and policy issues, contributing strategically through Impact Strategies led by Angela Rye. Skilled in international relations with practical experience volunteering in Brazil, Sri Lanka, and Europe, collaborating with NGOs and refugee camps to tackle global challenges. Expertise lies in human rights advocacy, conflict resolution, and international affairs, gained through participation in the Leadership, Diplomacy, and National Security program. Soon to be a full-time law student focusing on international human rights law. Passionate about equipping leaders of color to drive equitable global change and bringing transformative practices back to local communities. Proven ability to connect diverse perspectives, create actionable strategies, and influence change at both global and grassroots levels.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Executive Producer

Native Land Pod/Reasoned Choice Media
12.2023 - Current
    • Produced and hosted episodes highlighting global human rights issues, including conflicts in Sudan, Israel, and Palestine, with a focus on equity, advocacy, and international policy
    • Developed content exploring the intersection of foreign and domestic policies, linking global challenges to local advocacy efforts
    • Secured $1.8 million in sponsorships for live shows and tours, engaging an audience of over 500,000 listeners per episode with actionable insights on international development
    • Managed guest bookings and producer teams, ensuring alignment with themes of sustainability, inclusion, and global justice

Chief Executive Officer

Urban Business Development Center
01.2019 - 12.2024
  • Designed and implemented a comprehensive entrepreneurship curriculum, equipping 92 minority-owned businesses with skills in financial literacy and sustainable development, contributing to economic equity in underserved communities
  • Secured $2.9 million in funding over five years, enabling the distribution of $100,000 in microgrants and $350,000 in services to businesses located in Opportunity Zones
  • Partnered with organizations like My Brother's Keeper and the Columbus Urban League to deliver culturally competent programming, fostering inclusive growth models aligned with global equity principles
  • Achieved a 92% program graduation success rate, directly increasing economic resilience and sustainability among Black entrepreneurs
  • Demonstrated expertise in grassroots organizing, stakeholder engagement, and program development to address systemic barriers to opportunity

Annual Giving & Stewardship Coordinator

Sinclair Community College
08.2012 - 12.2019
  • Led donor engagement initiatives that raised 7 million in funding for scholarships benefiting underserved and marginalized students
  • Implemented campaigns that supported equitable access to higher education, fostering pathways for students from underrepresented communities
  • Designed long-term strategies for donor relations, securing sustainable support for student-focused initiatives and programs

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Political Science, Terrorism & Critical Infrastructure

University of Maryland Global Campus
Hyattsville, MD
05.2025

International Volunteer Programs -

NGOs And Refugee Camps Through IVHQ
United States
12.2024

Professional Development Fellowship -

Impact Strategies, Inc., Founded By Angela Rye
Los Angeles
12.2023

Leadership, Diplomacy, and National Security Fellowship -

Arizona State University
Washington, DC
12.2023

Skills

  • Legal research
  • Data collection
  • Crisis management
  • Policy analysis
  • Research
  • Partnership building
  • Intercultural communication
  • Refugee support
  • Humanitarian assistance
  • Human resources management
  • Conflict management

Certification

  • Social Enterprise Engineer | Arizona State University | December 2023
    Specialized in designing and implementing social enterprises with a focus on fundraising, outreach, and strategic success plans.
  • Diplomacy and Foreign Conflict Negotiations Certificate | Arizona State University | December 2023
    Trained in negotiation techniques and conflict resolution strategies between international entities.
  • Human Rights and Diplomacy Certificate | Arizona State University | December 2023
    Developed skills in advocating for human rights within global diplomatic frameworks.
  • Nonprofit and Non-Government Organizations Management Certificate | Arizona State University | December 2024
    Expertise in managing nonprofit and NGO operations, emphasizing sustainability and community impact.
  • Entrepreneurship and Business Development | Kauffman FastTrac | December 2019
    Certified in developing business strategies and advising entrepreneurs on small- and large-scale enterprises.
  • Master Adobe Certified | Adobe | December 2014
    Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, including InDesign, Photoshop, Lightroom, and Premiere Pro, for advanced design and content creation.

Accomplishments

  • Black Innovative Females on the Rise in the Midwest | 2018
  • Recognized Black Designers in Columbus | 2019
  • Reese Neader Memorial Award for Entrepreneurship and Social Change | Create Columbus Commissioner | 2020
  • Future History Makers of Columbus | Urban One | 2020
  • Dreaming with Dreamers Honoree | Dreaming with Dreamers | 2021
  • Next Up Columbus Class of 2022 | Columbus Young Professionals | June 2022
  • Business Advocate Award | COAACC | 2023

Timeline

Executive Producer

Native Land Pod/Reasoned Choice Media
12.2023 - Current

Chief Executive Officer

Urban Business Development Center
01.2019 - 12.2024

Annual Giving & Stewardship Coordinator

Sinclair Community College
08.2012 - 12.2019
  • Social Enterprise Engineer | Arizona State University | December 2023
    Specialized in designing and implementing social enterprises with a focus on fundraising, outreach, and strategic success plans.
  • Diplomacy and Foreign Conflict Negotiations Certificate | Arizona State University | December 2023
    Trained in negotiation techniques and conflict resolution strategies between international entities.
  • Human Rights and Diplomacy Certificate | Arizona State University | December 2023
    Developed skills in advocating for human rights within global diplomatic frameworks.
  • Nonprofit and Non-Government Organizations Management Certificate | Arizona State University | December 2024
    Expertise in managing nonprofit and NGO operations, emphasizing sustainability and community impact.
  • Entrepreneurship and Business Development | Kauffman FastTrac | December 2019
    Certified in developing business strategies and advising entrepreneurs on small- and large-scale enterprises.
  • Master Adobe Certified | Adobe | December 2014
    Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, including InDesign, Photoshop, Lightroom, and Premiere Pro, for advanced design and content creation.

Bachelor of Arts - Political Science, Terrorism & Critical Infrastructure

University of Maryland Global Campus

International Volunteer Programs -

NGOs And Refugee Camps Through IVHQ

Professional Development Fellowship -

Impact Strategies, Inc., Founded By Angela Rye

Leadership, Diplomacy, and National Security Fellowship -

Arizona State University
Loren Smith