Our Team
Meet Our Leadership
The dedicated individuals guiding Skilled for Life Foundation's mission to empower communities through education, skilled trades, and workforce development.
Governance
Executive Leadership
The executive team guiding Skilled for Life Foundation's strategy, operations, and mission delivery.
Chief Executive Officer
Belinda Smith
Belinda's vision as a founder of Skilled for Life Foundation is rooted in the belief that life is an all-encompassing, multilevel, layered system — and that every person who moves through it is shaped by resources that either support or challenge their ability to live a fruitful and successful life. Growing up in the eclectic borough of Brooklyn, New York and studying at New York University exposed her early to the deep need for enrichment services in high-risk communities. That experience positioned her to lead workforce development efforts through job development, skill-set gap training, and career pathways that set youth and young adults up for lasting success as contributing members of society.
Chief Information Officer
Robert Carpenter
Robert is a founding member of Skilled for Life Foundation and a graduate of Winston-Salem State University with a focus in Political Science and English. A proud veteran, he served eight years in the United States Army before channeling that discipline and dedication into his community. After his service, Robert led an afterschool program supporting city renewal initiatives and developed curriculum for technical and trade schools that put young people on the path to entrepreneurship and skilled careers. A committed philanthropist and advocate for change, he brings a lifelong passion for giving back and transforming lives to his role on the board.
Executive Secretary
Tyler Smith
Tyler oversees organizational communications, board coordination, and administrative operations — keeping the foundation running efficiently so the team can remain focused on serving participants. Her deep commitment to her native community, combined with her academic background at the New Jersey Institute of Technology where she earned a degree in Chemical Engineering, brings both analytical rigor and genuine purpose to her role in supporting the operations of Skilled for Life Foundation.
Our People
Staff & Program Leaders
Our staff work directly with participants, partners, and communities every day to deliver programs that change lives.
Lead Trades Instructor
Trades Instructor
Brings years of hands-on industry experience to the classroom, teaching electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and carpentry skills that prepare participants for real job sites.
Workforce Development Coordinator
Workforce Coordinator
Guides participants through résumé writing, job search strategies, interview preparation, and employer connections — from first application to first day on the job.
Community Outreach Coordinator
Community Outreach
Builds and maintains relationships with community partners, government agencies, schools, and employers to expand the foundation's reach and participant support network.
Join Our Team
We're always looking for passionate volunteers, mentors, and professionals who want to make a real difference. If you believe in our mission, we'd love to hear from you.