Changemaker Spotlight: Brittney A. Smith, PEARLS

Brittney Alexandria Smith is a proud Clevelander, born and raised in the inner city. She has dedicated her career to positive community change and youth advocacy working with various populations and at many levels, including county government, community development corporations, and grassroots organizations. Brittney is committed to the compassionate nurturing and guidance of Brown and Black Girls, who may be overlooked, misrepresented, and misunderstood. In 2020, she founded Positively Empowering and Restoring Ladies Self-Esteem (PEARLS), Inc., a mentoring group for Black Girls ages 11-17. 

Through PEARLS, Brittney has connected girls to resources and mentorship, building confidence and providing exposure. She also launched the PEARLS Girls Community Closet, a thrift store offering free clothing and hygiene products to girls and women. This initiative expanded into three schools, serving over 3,000 people with an inclusive, wraparound approach.

Brittney graduated from John Hay High School in 2002, earned a Bachelor’s in Social Work from Cleveland State University, and received a Professional Certification in Family Development from The University of Connecticut. With more than 12 years in social services, she has extensive experience in youth development, community engagement, and mental health.

In 2022, Brittney received the Neighborhood Improvement Award from the Northwest Neighborhood CDC and was recognized by the Ohio House of Representatives for her work with PEARLS. She was also honored by the Phenomenal Woman Foundation in 2023. Brittney participated in the Mentoring Summit’s Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill, advocating for youth mentoring services. She is a graduate of the AHA! Youth Mental Health First Aid Program and the Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel Neighborhood Leadership Development Program. In 2024, she received a Certificate of Resolution from the City of Cleveland Council for her contributions.

In her spare time, Brittney enjoys running, volunteering, traveling, and spending time with her family, friends, and her Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., sisters.

About PEARLS:

Positively Empowering and Restoring Ladies Self-Esteem (PEARLS), Inc. is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. PEARLS’ vision is to serve communities and girls that are often stereotyped by offering meaningful and practical experiences. Its mission is to nurture authenticity and self-love within girls throughout urban areas through exposure, education, and engaging practical experiences for girls throughout the city of Cleveland. PEARLS provides group-based sessions, individual sessions, community service projects, as well as pantry services to women and girls throughout the Greater Cleveland area.

Support PEARLS:
Visit clevelandpearls.org.

Donate to the PEARLS Strive Campaign.

Learn about PEARLS Closets and Mini Closets,
and shop the Amazon wishlist.

Host a hygiene product drive. Email PEARLS to learn more.