Michael T. A. Smith
Buffalo
Summary
As an enthusiastic professional with a strong background in community engagement, organizational leadership, and public health initiatives, I bring proven skills in project coordination, strategic planning, and team collaboration to any setting. With a focus on improving outcomes for underserved communities, I excel at building effective partnerships, managing data-driven projects, and leveraging resources to address social determinants of health. My expertise spans municipal government processes, cross-sector collaborations, and event management, making me a versatile and results-oriented leader.
Overview
1
1
Certification
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Program Coordinator
Wintermission Buffalo
01.2024 - Current
- Led the implementation of Wintermission Buffalo, a citywide initiative focused on reducing social isolation and increasing winter wellness through community-based interventions.
- Coordinated mini-grant distribution to block clubs and faith-based organizations to support neighborhood-level winter preparedness and engagement.
- Partnered with local agencies and residents to activate public spaces, distribute winter gear, and promote inclusive cold-weather programming targeting vulnerable populations.
Task Force Coordinator
Save Our Streets
01.2020 - Current
- Spearheaded and revitalized the Clean Sweep initiative over a four-year period, consistently expanding community impact through strategic multi-disciplinary partnerships, innovative collaborative efforts with community stakeholders, and data-driven resource allocation.
- Organized and implemented a volunteer-driven snow removal initiative, serving hundreds of senior and disabled residents during severe weather events.
- Planned and executed the Black Men's Empowerment Summit in conjunction with the Mayor's Office and City Hall executive staff, engaging over 400 participants in workshops on health, financial empowerment, and legal resources.
- Built capacity among community-based organizations by training them on effective data practices and resource alignment.
- Developed programing and a coordinated restorative response to the Buffalo NY terrorist attack on May 14th 2022, through Clean Sweep Initiative and Community Mental Health programming.
- Harvard University selected me and my program to be the focus on a case study to improve cross-departmental collaboration and health outcomes.
- Organized a legal clinic bringing together Legal Clinics, educational partners community based organizations supporting 130+ residents in utilizing the Clean Slate Act, providing education and access to resources.
- Addressed landlord-tenant disputes, educating parties on their rights and connecting them to housing programs.
- Designed a comprehensive resource guide for residents addressing social determinants of health.
- Conducted Qualitative research through recruitment and execution of multiple focus groups throughout the city in order to build capacity and improve health outcomes.
- Co-led implementation of the Invest Health Grant initiative focused on improving health equity in underserved Buffalo neighborhoods by leveraging data-driven strategies and community partnerships. Coordinated cross-sector collaboration, analyzed health outcome indicators, and supported targeted interventions addressing social determinants of health.
- Facilitated the Summer Youth Inquiry Experience, a civic engagement and leadership development program for Buffalo middle school students. Designed experiential learning activities, mentored youth in community-based research, and guided them in presenting actionable solutions to real-world neighborhood challenges.
- Coordinated the City of Buffalo’s Medical Model Intervention event, integrating health screenings and social services into community revitalization efforts. Led outreach to healthcare partners, organized on-site service delivery, and advanced citywide goals to improve health outcomes through neighborhood-based interventions.
- Led planning and execution of the City of Buffalo’s Unity Empowerment Summit, a citywide event mobilizing over 400 residents, community leaders, and organizations to address public safety, neighborhood revitalization, and the opioid epidemic. Oversaw multi-agency coordination, vendor engagement, and distribution of CPTED grants to support grassroots civic initiatives.
Citizen Services & Community Engagement VISTA
Division of Citizen Services
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Created and implemented food drives to address food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Facilitated winter emergency preparedness trainings and distributed supplies to residents.
- Planned and executed the 2019 9/11 Commemoration Ceremony in Buffalo.
- Delivered sustainable programs, including the Love Your Block Initiative, to strengthen community resilience.
- Drafted and initiated volunteerism efforts to support communities during the pandemic.
- Developed policy ideals to better address the systemic and institutional oppression of state sanctioned authorities over minority populations, with stop receipts being the result of the input of him and his fellow AmeriCorp Vistas.
- Worked with the Mayors office to create the GNN during COVID to respond to the growing needs of isolated and vulnerable residents.
Education
Bachelor degree - Business Administration, international applications
University at Buffalo
01-2018
Skills
- Grant Acquisition & Management
- Community Engagement
- Data-Driven Decision Making
- Program Development
- Event Management
- Public Speaking & Advocacy
- Strategic Partnerships
- Leadership
Accomplishments
- Grant Administration: Managed block club micro-grants for intergenerational volunteerism and winter accessibility projects.
- Advisory Roles: Served on the LYB Committee and the CGLI Board to allocate funds for community programs.
- Cross-Sector Partnerships: Secured partnerships to address social determinants of health.
- Program Creation: With the support of multiple partnerships, developed the concept of Medical Model Intervention approaches within the community and employed said strategy.
- Municipal Capacity Building: Presented nationally on best practices for effective cross-departmental collaboration. Held instructive meetings for leaders in government in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and other cities on how to employ a Clean Sweep program in their respective cities.
Affiliations
- Crisis Services Agency Board Member | 2024 – Present
- Juneteenth Parade Chairmen | 2023 – Present
- Urban League Young Professionals Community Service Chair | 2024 – Present
- CGLI Board Member | 2021-2023
- Commission on Citizens Rights and Community Relations | Application pending
Certification
- Certifications:
- Microsoft Office Specialist
- Project Management Fundamentals
- Data-Driven Decision Making
- Mental Health "Safe Talk" Certified - Suicide prevention
Timeline
Program Coordinator
Wintermission Buffalo
01.2024 - Current
Task Force Coordinator
Save Our Streets
01.2020 - Current
Citizen Services & Community Engagement VISTA
Division of Citizen Services
01.2019 - 01.2020
Bachelor degree - Business Administration, international applications
University at Buffalo
Speaking Engagements
- Goodwill Goodskills Graduation Ceremony
- Keynote Speaker – Delivered remarks to graduating participants, inspiring workforce development graduates with a message centered on perseverance, purpose, and continued civic engagement.
- AmeriCorps Civic Engagement Day
- Featured Alumni Speaker – Shared personal AmeriCorps journey and the long-term impact of national service on career development and community leadership.
- BAMM (Black American Ministry Movement) Panel: Religious & Community Leaders
- Panelist – Participated in a community dialogue alongside local faith leaders on topics including:
- Re-engaging youth post-pandemic through faith-based outreach
- Strengthening church-community partnerships for grassroots impact
- Defining actionable next steps for sustained civic and spiritual progress
- University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine
- Annual Guest Speaker – Presented to dental students on the intersection of oral health, civic responsibility, and the social determinants of health as part of a broader public health curriculum.
- Invest Health National Convening
- Program Representative – Spoke on the success of Buffalo’s Invest Health initiative, highlighting data-driven strategies to improve community health outcomes through cross-sector collaboration.
- Community Voices Listening Session (Post 5/14 Tragedy)
- Session Facilitator and Lead Speaker – Led a healing and reflection forum in the wake of the Tops Market mass shooting, guiding community members in voicing concerns, sharing grief, and shaping next steps toward justice and healing.