AL!VE Appoints New Executive Director

PRESS RELEASE
October 2024

AL!VE is excited to announce Nicole R. Smith, CVA as its new Executive Director. Nicole brings a wealth of experience in nonprofit leadership and community engagement, and we are confident her vision and expertise will drive AL!VE to even greater success. Her appointment marks a pivotal moment for the organization as it continues to empower and support leaders in volunteer engagement across the country.

Nicole is a dynamic leader in volunteer, intern and community engagement with over two decades of experience in both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors, including the performing arts, social services, sports, media and entertainment. As a Certified Volunteer Administrator (CVA) and recognized thought leader, Nicole has been at the forefront of creating scalable, impactful and capacity building volunteer and internship programs that emphasize recruitment, engagement, retention, and mentorship. She has developed recognition programs that have strengthened organizational cultures and volunteer experiences. Her professional background brings a creative and innovative approach to her leadership in the nonprofit and volunteer sectors.

A published author of Game On! Relentlessly Pursue Your Dreams and the 101 Note-taking Affirmation Journal Series, Nicole is also the host of the podcast From the Suggestion Box and an international motivational speaker. Her work has been featured in The Chronicles of Philanthropy, Human Capital Leadership Magazine, and The Volunteer Management Report.

Nicole’s passion for community impact extends to her volunteerism and board memberships. She has served as a board member for AL!VE, Ageless Chic Magazine, and the Arts & Business Council of Miami. She is also a mentor for the Tessitura Network’s Career Accelerator program, where she supports young arts professionals of color in developing their leadership skills and voices within the arts industry.

Nicole has been recognized for her contributions with several prestigious honors, including the 2022 United Latina Amplifying Voices Award, the 2020 AL!VE Emerging Leader Impact Award, 2019 WLRN’s Women Who Inspire You and being named one of Legacy Miami’s Most Prominent and Influential Black Women in Business in 2019.

A proud Afro-Latina and American of Panamanian decent, her she loves music, salsa dancing and a good suspense novel.

With a B.S. in Broadcast/Design Art and certification in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from the University of South Florida,

We're excited to welcome an outstanding leader who will guide AL!VE into a new chapter of growth and impact.



As we embark on this exciting new chapter at AL!VE we invite you to continue supporting our mission in impactful ways:

Donate:
Your donation will enable us to provide even more resources, programs, and support to leaders in volunteer engagement nationwide.

Your support allows us to:

  • Launch new initiatives that elevate the field of volunteer leadership.
  • Expand our advocacy efforts to represent volunteer professionals on a national scale.
  • Provide resources that help volunteer managers thrive in their roles.


Donate

Join AL!VE and Be Part of the Future
Join a nationwide network of volunteer engagement professionals committed to advancing the field and shaping the future of volunteerism.

As a member, you'll gain:

  • Exclusive access to webinars, resources, and professional development.
  • Opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals through networking events and regional groups.
  • Leadership opportunities within the organization and chances to shape the future of AL!VE.

By joining, you contribute to the continued growth of AL!VE, ensuring it remains a vibrant and supportive community for years to come.

Become A Member


As we embrace this new era at AL!VE, we are excited for the future. Let’s come together as a community—through giving, membership, and continued dedication to advancing the field of volunteer engagement.
Thank you for supporting AL!VE as we move forward into this exciting new chapter!