Life Remodeled, a Detroit-based nonprofit focused on transforming vacant schools into vibrant community centers, is pleased to announce the elevation of Diallo Smith from Chief Operating Officer to the dual role of President and COO.
In the heart of Detroit, where talk often overshadows action, Life Remodeled stands out by turning vacant educational facilities into comprehensive hubs for opportunity, supporting entire families. These hubs are home to leading nonprofit entities offering youth programs, workforce development, and essential services, impacting tens of thousands of individuals annually. Life Remodeled’s collaborative approach amplifies the transformative power of these nonprofits, aiming to ensure Detroit’s youth excel academically, families access vital services, and community members secure better jobs for financial independence.
Smith will be responsible for managing the organization’s interactions with government entities and will also act as the point of contact for key donors. He will continue to handle his COO duties, steering the expanding operations of Life Remodeled. The organization has seen a significant increase in its team size over the last two years and is currently in the stages of establishing a second community center, Anchor Detroit, on the east side of the city. Smith’s leadership will be crucial in collaborating with local partners to introduce inclusive and equitable technology initiatives at this new location.
Chris Lambert, the Founder & CEO of Life Remodeled, praised Smith’s unwavering commitment to the organization’s objectives and to fostering opportunities within Detroit. “Diallo’s determination to ensure Life Remodeled meets and achieves our goals relating to growth and impact is matched by his absolute dedication to the city of Detroit and providing opportunity to its residents.,” said Lambert. “He is an inspiring leader as well
as a great partner to me as we lead this organization together into a new era with the opening of Anchor Detroit.”
Smith, born and raised in Detroit, is an alumnus of Cass Tech High School and Wilberforce University. His diverse professional background spans corporate finance positions at ExxonMobil and IBM, roles in nonprofit management, and entrepreneurship in downtown Detroit. He lives in Detroit with his wife.
The significance of Black male leadership in positions of influence cannot be overstressed, particularly in communities where role models who reflect the local demographic can inspire and drive transformative change. Leaders like Diallo Smith embody the potential and power of this leadership, bringing not only their professional expertise but also a profound understanding of the cultural and social dynamics of their communities. Smith’s ascent to a pivotal role at Life Remodeled underscores the critical impact that Black leaders can have in steering initiatives that directly affect the lives and futures of individuals in predominantly Black cities like Detroit. His leadership serves as a beacon of possibility and progress, highlighting the essential nature of diverse leadership in fostering inclusive and equitable community development.
Diallo Smith’s roots in Detroit’s public school system and his education at an Historically Black College and University (HBCU) equips him with an invaluable perspective on the challenges and opportunities within his community. This background offers him a unique lens through which to view and address the needs of Detroit’s residents, ensuring that initiatives like Life Remodeled’s community hubs are not only relevant but also resonate deeply with the people they aim to serve. Smith’s journey from a local high school to a prominent leadership role exemplifies the profound impact of investing in individuals who have lived experiences within the communities they serve. His deep-rooted understanding of Detroit, shaped by personal experience and education, positions him as an exemplary leader whose actions are informed by empathy, insight, and a steadfast commitment to uplifting his community.
