The Urban League of San Diego County acknowledged Smith for safeguarding equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. Smith’s advancement of equity within the district includes the early 2024 move to make the SDCCD a living wage employer.
Smith was named the SDCCD’s seventh chancellor in February 2024. He is responsible for a $1 billion annual budget and all operations for a system that stands as the largest provider of workforce training and higher education in the region. The district and its four colleges ― San Diego City, Mesa, Miramar, and Continuing Education ― have an annual regional economic impact of $5.8 billion.
The ULSDC diversity and equity award honors leaders whose contributions throughout the county are crucial for empowering community members to attain the American dream of education, economic stability, sustainable housing, health equity and equal rights. During his time as acting chancellor, and now as the permanent chancellor, Smith has remained steadfast in his relentless optimism to maintain a safe space for all students as they pursue their academic and professional goals.
Chancellor Smith is one of nine regional leaders to receive the 2024 Urban League of San Diego County Diversity & Equity Award. Other recipients include:
- Eric Asiedu, Director, Mortgage Marketing and Sales Support, First Citizens Bank
- Janell Davis, Founder and Owner, Nelly’s Kitchen
- Maya Madsen, Founder and CEO, Maya’s Cookies
- Ellen Ewings-Nash, Chair, Black American Policy Association of California, San Diego
- Kazeem Omidiji, Director of Community Relations, SDG&E
- Fred Sotelo, President and CEO, Cerveza XTECA
- Samantha Williams, Executive Director, JIREH Providers
- Tony Young, Prior CEO, San Diego Workforce Partnership
The December 12 ULSDC event celebrated the region’s substantial growth in the areas of education, housing, financial asset building, and health and wellness for very-low- to moderate-income populations. Since 1953, the ULSDC has assisted African Americans and other under-represented populations in San Diego County to achieve social and economic equality through advocacy, bridge building, program services, and research.