William Smith

Lead an internationally recognized, youth-led media and policy platform advancing education, awareness, and reform on abuse, violence, and survivorship. Oversee board governance, organizational strategy, and public communications for a Meta-verified Instagram account (@stillwholeinitiative) with 25K+ followers, 2M+ impressions, and reach across 120+ countries. Build strategic partnerships with national organizations, manage high-level media relations, and drive legislative advocacy grounded in survivor-centered ethics, trauma-informed education, and intersectional policy reform.

Selected as one of four fellows for the South Texas Jewish Archival Fellowship, conducting original research at Rice’s Fondren Library. Discovered and analyzed breakthrough archival documents, generating new insights into Houston’s Jewish history. Presented findings to faculty, staff, and community leaders; fellowship work recognized in the Rice Thresher and Jewish Herald-Voice for scholarly impact.

Appointed as Media and Public Relations Intern, managing the official social media presence (@ricejewishstudies) on Instagram and TikTok. Produce weekly content to promote programs, highlight archival materials, and engage audiences at leading universities nationwide. Developed the “Then and Now” series, the platform’s top-performing campaign, driving a 53% increase in followers and expanding archival donations and public engagement.

Paid intern at a prominent Houston-based corporate law firm, shadowing the Managing Partner while contributing to high-level corporate matters. Support attorneys by analyzing and drafting contracts, reviewing and revising corporate agreements, and conducting due diligence for complex transactions valued in the multi-million-dollar range. Perform targeted legal research and distill findings into concise briefs to inform case strategy. Assist in client meeting preparation, professional correspondence, and case documentation, ensuring accuracy and operational efficiency. Gain direct exposure to the legal, business, and client-relations strategies that shape corporate law practice at a respected regional firm.

Serve as a peer attorney in Houston’s municipal diversion program for youth offenders, representing defendants in simulated court proceedings under the supervision of licensed attorneys and judges. Prepare and deliver case arguments, conduct witness questioning, and apply restorative justice principles to recommend constructive sentencing alternatives. Collaborate with legal professionals and court staff to uphold due process and program standards. Selected for demonstrated legal aptitude, advocacy skill, and civic commitment, contributing to outcomes that foster accountability, rehabilitation, and community service for participating youth.

One of four ambassadors representing a campus of 3,142 students and 227 faculty in Fort Bend ISD’s districtwide Student Wellness Coalition. Partner with the ADL, American Heart Association, and other organizations to bring equity- and wellness-focused initiatives to campus. Collaborate with the Superintendent, school board, and district Student Health Advisory Council to influence policy and address systemic challenges. Lead the school-level Wellness Advisory Council, translating district insights into actionable programs that strengthen student well-being and campus culture. Competing in the Student Wellness Think Tank, with potential to secure $2,500+ in funding for innovative wellness initiatives.

Advance the Summit’s expansion into the political and policy arena, increasing engagement from elected officials and securing participation from leaders including Fort Bend County Commissioner Dexter McCoy and other public servants. Champion annually selected United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by connecting policymakers with student-driven priorities and fostering dialogue on actionable local policy change. Strengthen the Summit’s visibility, credibility, and community impact by ensuring student perspectives are elevated to key decision-makers.

Previously served on the Speaker Committee, helping secure the largest slate of confirmed speakers among members, including a CEO and senior executives. Recruited community leaders, policy advocates, and faculty from Rice University, University of Texas, and University of Houston to address pressing global issues for an audience of 600+ attendees, including the Superintendent and Board of Trustees.

Selected as one of a small cohort for JTPI, a competitive youth leadership program advancing strategic grantmaking and Jewish values–based leadership. Conduct in-depth research on social issues and nonprofit effectiveness, collaborating with peers, philanthropists, and community leaders to evaluate proposals and allocate $10,000+ in annual grant funding. Drive funding decisions projected to impact 5,000+ community members across Greater Houston. Build consensus through bi-monthly sessions, strengthen donor relations, and ensure measurable, mission-aligned outcomes.

Lead the district-wide relocation of the Global Studies Academy to Kempner High School, overseeing the transition of 200+ students and serving as the Academy’s public representative. Manage a 10+ member cross-campus transition team, coordinate with senior district leadership, and present quarterly, data-driven recommendations to the GSA Council. Designed and implemented integration systems now adopted as the district model for future relocations.

Mentor underclassmen by providing academic guidance, resources, and personal support, currently advising three mentees simultaneously (a program record) to strengthen academic achievement and confidence.

Previously chaired the Historian Committee, producing multimedia content for social media, maintaining the Academy’s central archive, and supporting district recruitment that resulted in the largest incoming class in program history. Created a year-end recap video presented to 200+ attendees at the Academy banquet. Selected as one of four students to present recommendations directly to district leadership during transition planning meetings.

Lead a varsity team of 25+ players and managers across singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, overseeing training, strategy, and morale. Collaborate with coaches to design match tactics, mentor peers, and deliver motivational leadership that translates into consistent performance gains. Guided the team to the playoffs for the first time in 13 years and the second time in school history, cementing a milestone achievement for the program. Contributed to 50+ tournament placements and competitive awards, sustaining the team’s position among top programs in the UIL district. Demonstrate discipline, resilience, and sportsmanship on and off the court.

Lead all crisis operations, including committee selection, training, and strategy, while mentoring first-year delegates in directive drafting, public speaking, and high-pressure committee dynamics. Oversaw the crisis division’s growth, with mentees earning Best Delegate and Outstanding Delegate awards in their first year. Previously served as Crisis Director and delegate, fostering a culture of confidence, critical thinking, and diplomacy across the program.

Founder and director of a nationally recognized winter initiative promoting cultural inclusion, multilingual accessibility, and holiday unity. Lead operations spanning 25 consecutive nights across 15 neighborhood homes, featuring ASL- and multilingual-fluent Santas, culturally representative elves, and custom holiday characters. Raised $10,000+ in grassroots funding, sustaining a fully community-supported model that has distributed 150,000+ candy canes and culturally tailored goodie bags to visitors from 48 states and 20+ countries. Oversee all programming, volunteer recruitment and training, scheduling, accessibility accommodations, and media outreach. Honored with 10+ regional awards, including multiple first-place wins for Best Holiday Display, and featured by KHOU 11 News as a model for grassroots leadership and cultural celebration.

Oversee meeting records, event coordination, and member communication while promoting French language and Francophone culture through cultural celebrations and student initiatives. Represent the club in academic and cultural competitions, strengthening leadership, public speaking, and cultural fluency in an immersive language-focused environment.

Managed and expanded the chapter’s social media presence, tripling followers and engagement year-over-year. Captured and curated multimedia content for digital platforms and administrative use. Collaborated with officers to coordinate events and socials, including cross-club initiatives, and contributed to major programs such as the International Festival fashion show, strengthening community engagement and cross-cultural communication.

Mentored incoming freshmen to support their academic and social transition into high school. Helped plan and execute AMBUSH Mentoring Day, engaging 500+ freshmen, 50+ staff, and upperclassman mentors. Continued mentorship through biweekly classroom visits, fostering readiness, connection, and growth. Contributed to school-wide leadership and spirit initiatives to strengthen campus culture and inclusion.