“In a couple of years, you won’t care how long it took. You’ll just be glad you never gave up.” – Anonymous
This quote isn’t a fleeting sentiment for Samuel Smith—it’s the compass that guides him through the uncertainties of life. As our new Project and Marketing Coordinator, Samuel turns life lessons into strengths, fueling his success on our team.
Traveling an Uncertain Road
Samuel’s path to FSC First began in the city of Freetown, Sierra Leone. As an accomplished educator who hailed from a small village, Samuel’s father, Claude G. Smith, Ed.D, was driven to provide his family with better opportunities—a determination that would later shape Samuel’s own journey. In time, the realities of civil war in Sierra Leone led the family to move to the United States in search of a better life. This journey wound the Smith family up the East Coast and eventually to Maryland.
Throughout Samuel’s childhood, Dr. Smith took photographs to document special moments in the family’s life. Dr. Smith’s commitment to education and self-improvement made a profound impact on Samuel, who shared his love of learning and his interest in photography. Photography classes in high school helped Samuel capture the simple joys of life behind the lens.
“So much of my drive, work ethic, and determination come directly from watching my father persevere and stay committed to his goals,” shares Samuel.
Combining his talents for visual storytelling with his interest in marketing, Samuel pursued a bachelor’s degree at Virginia State University, where he honed his craft at every opportunity. When financial challenges put his degree on pause and made the world feel like a place of “no,” Samuel’s focus saw him through. In those moments, he remembered his father’s perseverance and his personal mantra and pushed forward until he achieved his bachelor’s degree.
Finding Home at FSC First
The first time Samuel stepped into FSC First, he found it to be a place of “yes,” reflecting the leadership of President and CEO, Dawn Medley. A place where he knew his continued focus, creativity, and perseverance would align nicely. Since being hired as our Project and Marketing Coordinator, he’s been the creative force behind much of our digital content. As a storyteller, Samuel strives to make FSC First’s community-driven work compelling and relatable. Every day, he brings his creativity, positive attitude, and skills to the team.
“I want to make our work accessible to potential clients,” he explains. “What we do changes lives and strengthens communities. My job is to make sure people see themselves in the stories we tell.”
Mentorship and Growth
Mentorship, which is at the core of our mission, is an aspect of the work that Samuel appreciates every day, as it reminds him of his father. Samuel credits Beverly Everson-Jones, Chief Financial and Operating Officer, Yakita Wilkinson, Level Up and Marketing Manager, and Cheryl Robertson, Level Up instructor and leadership coach, for encouraging him to experiment with new forms of storytelling. As a whole, the team encourages him to find that place of “yes” within himself.
“The mentorship I’ve received here is invaluable,” Samuel states. “It strengthens my approach to storytelling. Their support helps me understand not just what we do, but why it matters so much.”
Persistence Pays Off
Samuel’s experimentation with content creation, photography, and video broadens our reach, helping us connect with a wider audience of businesses that stand to benefit from the technical assistance, capital, and empowerment available.
“When I create a visual story about a client overcoming business challenges, I connect with their stories on a personal level,” he reflects. “I understand what it means to persist when the odds seem stacked against you.”
Telling Stories and Touching New Audiences
As Samuel creates content that highlights the transformative impact of FSC First, creativity and empathy lead the way. The curiosity his father instilled helps him connect with the entrepreneurs and communities we serve.
For Samuel, joining FSC First isn’t just a career move—it’s a meaningful chapter in a story defined by tenacity. We’re fortunate to have his voice, perspective, and dedication as part of the FSC First team.
