Meet The Board

Benjamin is no stranger to uplifting his community. Mr. Benjamin has appeared on Q13 news promoting positive hip-hop and being the first independent artist to receive a Mayor's award from former Seattle mayor Paul Schell and a recognition award from former Governor Gary Locke.  Mr. Benjamin has also toured through schools promoting his School is Cool campaign and gave away Mattress to underprivileged kids and their families in honor of the Benjamin Smith Day proclamation which he received from King County former exec Ron Sims.

Hassan Messiah El is the Director of the S.M.I.R.E.D Foundation, a vital organization dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities for minorities and indigenous people of color in the Seattle, WA area. As a passionate advocate for social justice, Hassan is unwavering in his commitment to addressing systemic access gaps through comprehensive scholarship programs that empower underrepresented youth to achieve their academic goals. His leadership is characterized by a strong focus on fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion, driving initiatives that not only fund educational aspirations but also inspire personal growth, community involvement, and resilience among young individuals.

Jamari Smith is the Chief Operating Officer of the S.M.I.R.E.D Foundation, where he is committed to expanding educational opportunities for minorities and indigenous people of color in the Seattle, WA area. In his leadership role, Jamari oversees all operational aspects of the foundation, ensuring the effective delivery of programs that have a meaningful impact on the community.

Mary Smith serves as the Treasurer of the S.M.I.R.E.D Foundation, where she plays a crucial role in managing the organization's finances. Her responsibilities include overseeing the budgeting process, ensuring the responsible allocation of resources, and maximizing scholarship funding to enhance program effectiveness.

Jasmine Smith is the Executive Director of the S.M.I.R.E.D Foundation, where she plays a pivotal role in shaping the foundation's strategic vision. With a strong commitment to expanding educational access for minorities and indigenous people of color in the Seattle, WA area, Jasmine collaborates closely with her team to develop innovative and impactful programs that empower youth to achieve their academic potential.

Giday T. Adhanom is a passionate community advocate and philanthropist dedicated to addressing critical issues within her community, spanning from housing to education. With a deep commitment to social equity, she fiercely opposes gentrification and foreclosure, actively working to preserve affordable housing and ensure stability for low-income families in King County, Seattle, and beyond.