chief executive officer
Kristene (K.N.) Smith is a multiple award-winning author noted for–Discovery of the Five Senses–a mystery-fantasy-adventure novel in her Urban Boys series called, “Brilliantly crafted and written!” and “A wonderful and deeply written emotional adventure.” by reviewers. She is an advocate of youth development and arts and enrichment programs throughout the world. Her lyrical flair sweeps across pages, twisting and turning through drama, action-adventure, and urban fantasy in exciting, edge-of-your-seat narratives. She’s the creator of the Youth Narrative Project, featuring stories of trauma and resilience. Kristene has over twenty-five years’ experience in writing, communications, brand strategy, and creative design as an award-winning communications consultant. She is a senior writer, creative director, and strategist behind campaigns in behavioral health and wellness, education, development, and entertainment for public and private institutions. She is the driving force behind her campaigns’ unique marketing thrusts, mastery of communications, creative direction, and diversity strategies, and is recognized for her understanding of general and multi-ethnic audiences. Kristene holds a degree in Family and Consumer Science and connects with audiences through magazine, newspaper, television, and new media appearances including the Fox, ABC, and UPN networks, Sacramento Magazine, and Redbook Magazine, among others. She has a global readership from the U.S. to the UK, Canada, Bulgaria, India, Germany, and the Philippines, among other countries.
Mental Health California is her signature community nonprofit venture, one that is personal considering she is a family member with lived experience. Kristene is the creator and director of Brother Be Well, producer of the Champions of Mental Health Awards Dinner, and leads impactful behavioral health programs for diverse, underserved communities.
Kristene Smith at Headstream Springboard Lab, August 8th & 9th, 2019, at Artists for Humanity, Boston, MA. Headstream featured 35 diverse leaders from across the country, representing expertise in mental health and well-being, diversity and inclusion, new and emerging technology, policy, and youth. The procured convening involved ideation activities to develop youth mental-wellness through innovation within social spaces. Kristene joined the inclusion panel and provided guiding research on the mental health of youth of color, and the mental wellness and social media habits of girls. Student creatives from Artists for Humanity joined the teams, bringing artistic touches to all projects. Their original artwork is featured below.
