Today we’d like to introduce you to Jowan Smith.
Hi Jowan, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey has been rooted in service, resilience, and a deep commitment to uplifting the next generation. After a 15-year career in media working in sales, public relations, voiceovers, and event planning. I transitioned into public service as a Caseworker for Cuyahoga County. It was during this time, while raising my children and caring for my niece with special needs, that I became even more passionate about making sure families, especially those from underserved communities, had access to resources and guidance.
In 2017, I pitched my first initiative, Getting Our Babies to College 101, at the Cleveland Leadership Center’s Accelerate competition. It was born out of frustration with how confusing the college process could be for families and the lack of support I saw in the system. That pitch ignited a movement one focused on demystifying college access for families and empowering parents as partners in their children’s education.
In 2019, I founded 1,000 Ties, a nonprofit dedicated to mentoring young men ages 8–17 by teaching them essential life skills, leadership development, and social etiquette. I returned to Accelerate in 2020, this time pitching 1,000 Ties—and won. Since then, we’ve expanded to run programming in five school districts, launched community-based mentoring programs, and hosted our annual Gentlemen’s Summit, which now includes moms, dads, and entire families.
Alongside this, I’ve authored nine children’s books, including Grandma Hattie’s Ice Cream, which received an International Impact Award and twice hit the Amazon Top 25 list. That book is now part of a national literacy campaign that includes school readings, hands-on STEM ice cream-making projects, and family engagement events.
I’ve had the honor of appearing on The Jennifer Hudson Show, being named Northeast Ohio’s Remarkable Woman of 2025, and being inducted into the John Hay High School Hall of Fame. Today, whether I’m mentoring a student or professional, speaking to a crowd, or helping a child fall in love with books, I lead with purpose and a belief that real change happens when community, education, and compassion come together.
I carry many titles: CEO, Motivational Speaker, Author, Grant Writer, Publicist, Voice Actress, and Website Designer but the ultimate title is Mother.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has been far from smooth. From limited funding to living with lupus, to battling cancer. Being a woman creating a program for young men has also presented some challenges.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
One of the things that I”m really proud of is my 9 published children’s books. While I never set out to be an Author it becoming my favorite title. All of my books feature characters of color in real life situations. Each book has an educational component and activity or resource in the back of the book. My Grandma Hattie’s Ice Cream book comes in English, Spanish and also comes as a coloring book. This book has won and International Impact Award and has been my highest selling book.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
My best motivation comes from my five mentors.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jowansmith.com
- Instagram: mz_mj_ Author Jowan Smith 1000.ties
- Facebook: Author Jowan Smith
- LinkedIn: Jowan Smith
