Christopher Ravi Smith joins LR

Christopher Smith pictured with his wife and two children.

Leadership Rochester is pleased to welcome Christopher Ravi Smith as the new Youth Program Manager leading the organization’s teen leadership program. Chris is a 13 year veteran of the Rochester School District where he’s served as an elementary educator, reading intervention teacher, and Lighthouse Coordinator overseeing The Leader in Me process. Leadership Rochester’s Youth Program Manager position will be an additional adjunct education role for Smith.  “We look forward to having Chris on our team”, said Gwen Van Laeken, Executive Director.  “Chris brings great energy and commitment to engaging student in innovative ways.” 

“My hopes and dreams for the Youth Program Manager are to help inspire future student leaders to become actively involved within their community in a capacity that guides them towards a personal vision of success and fulfillment.” said Chris.  He and his wife Christie are the proud parents of two children and are very engaged in the community.

Leadership Rochester’s mission is to inspire, connect, and educate a vibrant diverse network of individuals who will provide leadership to transform and strengthen our Greater Rochester region.  The teen program offers youth a chance to explore sights across the city of Rochester, meet with local leaders and community members, and learn how they can affect positive change for their community. Applications for this year’s program will open in mid-September. The program will run two six-week cohorts this academic year, one in October and another in January.  The program is partially funded by a grant from the Greater Rochester Health Foundation. Students who are interested can email youth@leadershiprochester.org.