Adam A. Smith “There is in this world no such force as the force of a person determined to rise. The human soul cannot be permanently chained.” - W.E.B. DuBois Company: Mayor's Office of Education and Life-Long Learning Location: Rockford, Illinois Website: N/A

Biography:
Adam A. Smith is a dynamic community leader who has spent his career focusing on enhancing the educational opportunities of disadvantaged children and adults. Mr. Smith has earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology and Education from Concordia University, Masters in Educational Administration from National-Louis University and is currently pursuing his PhD in Community College Leadership at Colorado State University. He has built programs and initiatives aimed at increasing the educational aspiration, access and success of hundreds of students throughout the Midwest.

Mr. Smith is currently the first Director of the Mayor’s Office of Education and Life-Long Learning in Rockford, Illinois. This position within the Senior Staff of the Mayor of Illinois’ second largest city, is responsible for creating educational partnerships, programs, policies and initiatives aimed at decreasing Rockford’s horrific dropout rate and the dismal number of adults who attain a Bachelor’s Degree. Prior to his position with the City of Rockford, Adam worked at Rock Valley College as the College’s Director of College Activities and Community Outreach and the Founding Director of its Upward Bound and Workforce Investment Act Youth Programs. Mr. Smith also has an extensive background in community advocacy, empowerment and development through positions at Comprehensive Community Solutions, a major community development corporation and while serving as the Executive Director of the Allied-Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood Center in Madison, Wisconsin. He is the Associate Head Coach of the Rock Valley College Football Team and a Professor at Judson University teaching graduate and undergraduate courses in Human Services, Human Resources and Organizational Leadership.

Adam has conducted speeches and presentations on the importance of education, decision-making, African-American History, leadership, and the community’s inability to adequately education children of color at local, state, regional and national conferences. He is a sought after keynote speaker at college and universities, civic groups, leadership organizations and awards ceremonies. Mr. Smith’s ability to relate well with students, educators, community members and college staff in a manner that is both thought provoking and motivational is his strength as a speaker.

Mr. Smith has been recognized by President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Governor of Wisconsin, Tommy Thompson for his service to the community, leadership and commitment to enhancing the educational opportunity of all Americans. He is founder of the educational research and advocacy organization, Allied for Children’s Education and has created organizations aimed at helping disadvantaged students realize their goal of a college degree. Adam is the founder of the nFACTOR youth movement and has created community-wide partnerships that have resulted in major decreases in truancy and increases in the number of students that attend post secondary education out of high school.

Mr. Smith has spent his life working with young people as an advocate, mentor, leader and empowering force. He works every day to attack the systems that act as barriers between marginalized populations, educational and life success.

Adam Smith currently resides in Rockford, Illinois with his wife and three children.

Availability:
Available to speak to diverse groups of students, educators, civic groups and adults on issues of education, leadership, diversity, motivation, leadership, community empowerment and success.