Koya Partners | Diversified Search Group partnered with Hip Hop Caucus on the search for an Executive Assistant to the Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer. Hip Hop Caucus uses the power of cultural expression to empower communities who are first and worst impacted by injustice.

Our work resulted in the recruitment of Maria Smith to the role.

Maria Smith joins the HipHop Caucus with over 15 years of administrative experience supporting C-Suite level executives in the nonprofit space. She has a strong passion for working with underserved communities and helping to bridge the gaps in educational inequity. She has worked exclusively in the nonprofit space since beginning her administrative career, more recently supporting the mission and goals of educational research organization, AIR. In addition to her administrative duties, Smith provided project management and leadership on several internal and external Communications projects.

Smith formerly served as Program Manager for INROADS, College-Links, DC. The nonprofit program focused on college and career development for over 50 high school students in the D.C. area ranging from 14-18 years old. The year-long program targeted underserved, minority students by providing monthly programming based around financial literacy, essay writing, business development, and social enterprise.

Smith is a native of Washington, DC with a BA in English from Spelman College. She also holds a MA in Strategic Communications and Public Relations from Trinity Washington University. Smith enjoys cooking, volunteering in her community and at church and spending time with her family.