Our People

Charles M. Smith holds the esteemed position as Vice Chair of the Thrive Network and serves as the Director of Advocacy at CommunityWorks. He is deeply grateful to CommunityWorks for providing him with his first career opportunity after his release from prison. Mayor Yemi Mobolade has been a tremendous influence on Charles, serving as both a mentor and a friend, opening doors that eventually led him to join the Thrive Network team and the Public Safety and Solutions Committee. In addition, Charles actively participates on two advisory boards, one for Kayge Gaming and another for R&R Head Labs. ‌ It is impressive to witness Charles' life transformation, from a prison cell to a corner office. However, he humbly believes that his personal background is of secondary importance compared to the positive impact he strives to make through his work and community involvement. Having experienced the significant challenges of life as a formerly incarcerated individual, Charles is dedicated to bringing relief to under-resourced communities, aiming to eradicate poverty by fostering entrepreneurship and creating employment opportunities. Charles has garnered considerable recognition and exposure in various publications, such as Hustle Weekly, Westword, Business Journal, and local newspapers. ‌ While he is unquestionably passionate about leadership development, his ultimate aspiration is to lead a morally upright lifestyle in the face of God. Being hailed as a serial entrepreneur, Charles wholeheartedly embraces the concept of "Legal Hustle" as his personal brand. His motto, "From Pistols and Boots to Briefcases and Suits," perfectly encapsulates his remarkable journey. Charles possesses a fervent zeal for nurturing entrepreneurs, establishing businesses, and engaging in meaningful dialogue with stakeholders. As the co-founder of (CBX) Presidential Business Exchange, he demonstrates his unwavering commitment to the nonprofit realm.