Destini Smith *(she/her) | Director of Popular Education and Grassroots Leadership

Destini Smith serves as the Director of Popular Education and Grassroots Leadership with the Policy and Advocacy department. Prior to joining Catalyst in July 2021, Destini worked with Urban Strategies Inc. as a Family Support Specialist II where she assisted families in navigating various systems to reach the goal of a stable and thriving household. She also served as founding staff and fitness coach for the Atlanta non-profit, Noble Clay Fitness, providing access to quality fitness and health coaching to low-wealth communities. She has also done affordable housing and equity work as a Community Building Fellow with Emory University and the Center for Pan Asian Community Services. Destini has a passion for empowering youth leaders and igniting Christians to pursue equity and justice. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Community Building and Social Change from Emory University; and she is excited to practice all that she is learning in her Community Building and Social Change Masters of Education program at the University of Miami.