MICHAEL “ZAKI” SMITH

Founder 

Michael "Zaki" Smith is a force for social change, dedicated to uplifting young people and transforming communities since 2004. With a passion rooted in the mentorship and guidance he lacked in his own youth, Zaki has leveraged his skills as a barber to create meaningful connections, often mentoring young people right in his barber chair. His journey began with Team Revolution, a local organization empowering youth to step into leadership roles and discover their purpose. His early work with high school students at Canarsie High School and Erasmus Hall High School in Brooklyn focused on leadership development, equipping young people to become changemakers.

Zaki’s impact extends into the juvenile justice system, where he served as both a barber and mentor at Crossroads Juvenile Detention Center, offering guidance to young men affected by the criminal justice system. He also worked with students experiencing homelessness through the New York City Department of Education, providing stability and mentorship to youth in temporary housing.

In Newark, NJ, Zaki continued his transformative work across multiple high schools, including West Side, East Side, Malcolm Shabazz, and Arts High, shaping the lives of students through leadership and personal development. His outreach knows no boundaries, as Zaki has supported education globally, funding school fees for 60 students in Nairobi, Kenya.

After a four-year hiatus from youth work, Zaki spearheaded a successful coalition to pass New York State's Clean Slate Bill, a groundbreaking piece of criminal justice reform that will seal the criminal records of 2.3 million New Yorkers, offering them a second chance at life. His role in this historic achievement was through Next100, a fellowship program that empowers individuals directly impacted by policies to design and implement creative solutions. As a fellow, Zaki used his platform to advocate for justice and innovate policy change, solidifying his role as an agent of reform.

Zaki’s leadership and vision have been recognized with the prestigious Black Voices for Black Justice Grant, supported by Clara Wu’s Social Justice Fund. His relationship with the fund has extended into his filmmaking and photography, where he amplifies the work of fellow grantees and captures stories of those at the forefront of social justice.

Following his advocacy work, Zaki returned to education, launching the Young Barbers Initiative at Landmark High School and the Global Academy of Finance in New York City. His programs, blending vocational training with personal development, have achieved an impressive 94% attendance rate, demonstrating his ability to inspire and empower students both personally and professionally.

Beyond his work in education and criminal justice reform, Zaki continues to use his skills in videography and photography to amplify the voices of those fighting for justice. His unwavering commitment to social change, whether through direct mentorship, legislative reform, or creative expression, continues to leave a profound and lasting impact on communities locally and globally. Zaki’s work is a testament to his belief that true change begins by investing in young people and dismantling systems of inequity.