Kayla Smith
B.A., Interdisciplinary Studies (Public Health Advocacy)
Hometown: Laurel, Maryland
Plans: J.D., Brooklyn Law School
Iron sharpens iron, and at UMBC I have been given the space to interact with and learn from people who challenge me and push me to be my best.
Kayla Smith has steadfastly dedicated her time at UMBC to serve as an advocate and educator for fellow students, particularly in areas related health and wellbeing.
Smith is a three-year peer health educator, worked as chair of the Sexual Health Committee in the Health Promotion Office at UMBC University Health Services, and served as executive director of the Student Government Association’s Department of Health and Wellness. She has also served as both an intern and a student staff member for the Women’s Center, and worked as an Introduction to an Honors University peer facilitator.
Smith received the Black Girls Rock Community Activist Award for her work to raise awareness about sexual assault and mental illness. She has also served as a campus representative for the sexual health website Bedsider, operated by the nonprofit National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy.
In keeping with her legal aspirations, Smith has served as a justice on the Student Judicial Programs Hearing Board and a member of UMBC’s Mock Trial team. Throughout her years on Mock Trial, she has received eight awards for her performance on the team, which recently competed for the first time in the national championship tournament, hosted by UCLA.
Through all of these experiences, Smith says, “UMBC has given me the opportunity to learn in an environment that fosters growth. I have grown in my ability to advocate for myself, achieve my goals, and most importantly, live up to my fullest potential.”
Smith will attend Brooklyn Law School in New York City after graduation.
Image: Portrait by Marlayna Demond ’11 for UMBC.
Tags: CAHSS, INDS, WomensCenter
