About Us - Project Proud Nyc

Founder & Facilitator

Jamilah Smith has spent all of her work career, servicing the youth. With her extensive background in dance, she has dedicated herself to taking all the life lessons and opportunities that she has had over the years as a young dancer, and places it in her curriculum. She tells her students and caregivers that what she is teaching is more than the steps, it’s building the whole child. She also worked at a Youth Development Center for Adolescence and Young Adults. As she carried the title of an Engagement Specialist, Jamilah encountered many youth who is experiencing a tremendous amount of trauma and obstacles in their lives. Her task was to meet each young person where they’re at, assist in supporting them reaching their goals during their time at the center, and create and facilitate engaging activities and groups. Jamilah’s work experience also entails being supportive staff in the classrooms of elementary school leveled children with special needs and developmental disabilities. Throughout her experiences she has gained the skills to adequately manage a classroom or a variety of age and skill sets, as well as creating curriculums and lesson plans to support their skill sets. In addition to her skills, she has also received training in Mental Health First Aid, Applied Behavior Analysis and Therapeutic Crisis Intervention to list a few. Growing up, Jamilah has been molding and mentored by many. Some of which were teachers in the schools she attended and extracurricular activities. She is sure that if it weren’t for them taking separate time, pushing her past her potential, affirming her, and stepping in to discipline in love when nobody else would, she would not be who she is today. Now in her adult years, she believes the best way to express her gratitude to them is to pay it forward. Jamilah sees such a dire need for mentorship and character building for our youth. But her ultimate passion is young teen girls and adults.

WE ARE P.R.O.U.D.