Trevor Smith

Trevor Smith (he/him) is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of the BLIS Collective. He is a writer, researcher, and strategist focused on racial inequality, wealth inequality, reparations, and narrative change. Previously, he was the Director of Narrative Change at Liberation Ventures, a field-builder accelerating the Black-led movement for reparations, where he launched the Reparations Narrative Lab, a creative and research space designed to build narrative power across the movement for reparations.

He previously held program and communications positions at the Surdna Foundation, New York Civil Liberties Union, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, and M+R Strategic Services. He received his BA in Journalism from American University. He currently resides in Lenapehoking, now known as New York City.

Jess has led strategic communications, branding, thought leadership, digital marketing, and project management for social impact organizations for more than fifteen years. Most recently, before joining RWJF, Jess served as the vice president of Communications at the Case Foundation and Case Impact Network. Throughout her career, she has crafted national campaigns that incorporate emergent technologies and digital media to drive action and prompt meaningful change—such as the award winning #FacesofFounders campaign and the marketing strategy for the national bestselling book Be Fearless. Jess has also spearheaded award-winning website redesigns, produced a Shorty Impact Award-nominated storytelling series, and is a recognized thought leader in marketing strategy, digital communications, and philanthropy with speaking engagements at notable events such as SXSW and the PRSA National Conference. She has diverse experience working in economic development, both domestically and internationally, in Cameroon and Zambia. She holds a Bachelors of Commerce from McGill University where she developed a deep love for hockey and the Montreal Canadiens. #GoHabsGo

When she’s not leading marketing and communications efforts at high-impact organizations, Jess enjoys exploring D.C.’s fantastic food scene, serving as the vice chair of the board of directors of FRESHFARM to advance a more equitable food system, constructing crosswords with her husband, and chasing after her spirited toddler and extra needy pitbull.