I Believe in the Value of

inclusion

“Diversity is a fact, equity is a choice, inclusion is an action, and belonging is an outcome.” – Arthur Chan. Every person has the ability to take on the action of inclusion. As community members, it is our responsibility to be inclusive and demand inclusive action. Although systemic change takes time, it is through inclusive action that community members and organizations can move our society to one that everyone can feel like they belong. Being inclusive is not about race, gender, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Inclusivity is about seeing people as people and treating them with the dignity and respect personhood calls for. Being inclusive is being compassionate, having empathy, and respecting a person’s right to simply be themselves.

Jill Smith

Sr. Director of Operations & Admin | she/her

Jill possesses over a decade of distinguished experience in serving historically underrepresented communities through the development of systems and programs. With a robust background in nonprofit program management and operations, she has been at the forefront of launching several initiatives aimed at enhancing data collection and analysis, bolstering grant and donation revenue, expanding volunteer engagement, and refining operational processes. Her professional ethos and personal values are deeply rooted in principles of equity, empowerment, and a steadfast commitment to supporting every member of the community.

At Possibility Labs, Jill is instrumental in managing the day-to-day operations, administration, partner service operations, and human resources. She holds an M.B.A. from National University and a B.A. in Political Science and African American Studies from California State University, Northridge.

"At some point, someone decided that this hyper-capitalist society is how our society should operate, despite its harm to the masses. Although it should be a choice to disconnect from a culture that values commerce over community, doing so would mean embracing a level of disenfranchisement that most people are not comfortable with. Before people can make the choice to disengage with dignity, we must create a society that allows community members to live a life that aligns with their own values without sacrificing basic needs and freedoms. We can do this in a variety of ways, including separating the acquirement of basic needs from capitalist ventures. People should not be able to capitalize on another person’s need to survive."