Lead Change Project Founder Receives IUPUI Philanthropy Award
April 15, 2016 Indianapolis – Founder of The Lead Change Project and District Athletic Director for Indianapolis Public Schools, Jamal Smith, was honored by Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) during the 2016 Spirit of Philanthropy Luncheon and Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, April 13. This event serves as an annual opportunity for programs within IUPUI to recognize individuals, corporations, and foundations that have made outstanding contributions through gifts and voluntary service. IUPUI’s Office of Community Engagement awarded Smith for his devoted work aimed towards improving the well-being of local communities through dedicated service. Smith co-chaired the inaugural Education Weekend as a member of the Central Indiana Education Alliance; a group established by IUPUI. He has also serves as an advisor for IUPUI’s Great Lakes Equity Center and advised former Chancellor, Charles Bantz, assisting in the search for the vice chancellor for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Smith was appointed co-chair of the Your Life Matters Task Force by former Indianapolis Mayor, Greg Ballard, in 2014 and lead the development of comprehensive strategies to break down barriers that Black males face in Indianapolis communities. In January 2016 Smith received the Sagamore of the Wabash Award from Governor Mike Pence in recognition of his impactful work while serving more than five years as Executive Director of the Indiana Civil Rights Commission. Smith, a former collegiate athlete, has served as a coach and mentor in inner-city Indianapolis for the past 15 years and currently works to improve academic achievement through sports, extracurricular participation and community involvement through his nonprofit organization, The Lead Change Project. Contact: Darren Thomas, dthomas@theleadchangeproject.org