In 2013, Curtis Smith co-founded one of the top-rated public middle schools in Brooklyn, and designed the mindfulness curriculum that’s infused into the foundation of the school’s mission and culture. After the death of his mom, Smith was inspired to bring the tool of mindfulness — which he had been using outside of school — into the classroom, creating a powerful effect. The success and notable impact of the program contributed to an improved learning community and led to his work with the New York City Department of Education District 19. There, he created and facilitated district-wide workshops and training for former President Barack Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper Alliance while supporting more than 1.1 million students in New York City.
In 2018, Smith created Moment of Mindfulness (MOM), a mindfulness methodology and company committed to empowering communities to activate their best intentions through culturally responsive, evidence-based mindfulness tools. “A lot of times we’re either caught up in the past or future with our thoughts, and mindfulness brings us into the now,” he says. “The practice has allowed me to be more mindful of the life that I’m living and enjoy the moments within the moments.” After 11 years of service as an educator, Smith has taken the leap to evolve his career toward social entrepreneurship.
