Jamika Smith
Regional YAB and State YAB Manager | Illinois DCFS Youth Advisory Board
As a long-standing advocate for youth and individuals from unfavorable backgrounds, Jamika Smith found a home with Be Strong Families in 2022, as the Downstate Program Manager for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Service (IDCFS) Youth Advisory Board (YAB), serving the Central and Southern regions. In this role Jamika assists youth in care and former youth in care between the ages of 14 and 21 to unite for the purpose of educating, advocating for, and empowering all youth in care. This is accomplished through leadership training and support in developing policies and laws giving the youth in care the valuable opportunity to address individual and collective systemic issues.
Since earning her bachelor’s degree in Human Services in 2014 from Purdue University, Jamika has passionately served the youth in her community in various capacities through employment, mentoring and volunteering opportunities. Her devotion to advocating and supporting youth led Jamika to being presented the “Backbone of the Black Home” award in 2016, a recognition presented for outstanding commitment to youth in the community.
Coming from a tight-knit family built on values and love, Jamika has a strong adoration for family and is the proud mother of five children and 2 granddaughters. Her huge extended family stretches beyond biological relatives, it is encompassed with those who support and share unconditional love amongst each other.
“Family is the greatest blessing, a precious gem to be cherished. Whether biologically or through bonds that have been built, everyone deserves to experience the love of family”