Barbara's deeply rooted journey as an educator started while serving elementary students in Milwaukee Public Schools. She later went on to become Vice President at the Efficacy Institute, a national nonprofit focused on academic and character proficiency for all children, before joining Teach For America.

After serving as the Executive Director of Teach for America Greater Delta: Mississippi & Arkansas for over 6 years, she assumed the role of Chief of Experience and Belonging, where she continues to advocate for educational excellence and a world that believes in and nurtures the brilliance of all children.

In addition to her role as Chief of Experience & Belonging, Barbara facilitates training seminars for emerging corporate executives, spearheading and cultivating diversity and inclusion initiatives. After earning an M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction and B.S. in Education (K-8) and Psychology, she earned her Ph.D. from the School of Education at Cardinal Stritch University in Leadership for the Advancement of Learning and Service. Barbara resides in Jackson, Mississippi, with her husband, Dr. Christopher Smith, an executive coach with expertise in higher education and adult learning.