Khala of House Smith. First of Her Name. Alchemist of Details. Raiser of Future Leaders. Courier of Curiosity. Student of the Universe. Avatar of Authenticity. Diplomat of Solutions. Keeper of Joy. Lover of It Is What It Is. Mama Melanin Magic. (Learn more about what an Oríkì is here).
Khala is an African-American woman born and raised in Columbia, Maryland (Susquehannock & Piscataway Land) and is currently residing in Laurel, Maryland, Anne Arundel County with her partner, two kids (ages 6 and 3), and fur baby dog, Maya. She is the eldest daughter in her family and the first to graduate from university with both undergraduate and graduate degrees.
She holds a Master's in Industrial-Organizational Psychology and a Bachelor's in Family Studies and Community Development, and is also a certified full-spectrum doula. Khala is known for her holistic, person-centered approach to her work, which incorporates elements of intergenerational healing and racial justice. She has over nine years of experience as a Strategic Industrial-Organizational Psychologist and Business Professional, focusing on organizational development, cultural transformation, and employee engagement. Additionally, as a co-founder of The Eldest Daughters Collective, she brings a deep understanding of community dynamics and the importance of creating inclusive spaces.
Khala’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility shines through in her professional and volunteer efforts. She was introduced to Kindness Grows Here (KGH) by her mother, Ruth Smith, a former board member and current Kindness Ambassador. Inspired by moving into a newly built neighborhood, Khala is eager to become more involved in her community and to instill the value of volunteerism in her children. She sees KGH as a safe space to involve her family in spreading kindness and making a local impact.
In her free time, you can find her traveling for concerts, cackling at TikToks, being a board game enthusiast, watching animal documentaries, and learning K-pop dances.
