BOARD OF DIRECTORS
NATASHA WARD, BOARD PRESIDENT
PAMELA SMITH, BOARD TREASURER
PAMELA SMITH, BOARD TREASURER
Natasha Ward is a Brooklyn native of Jamaican descent with over 20 years of experience working within social services. She currently holds the position of director for a social services program and has a BA in Criminal Justice with a minor in sociology. By working alongside and witnessing firsthand the adverse effects that occur when a
Natasha Ward is a Brooklyn native of Jamaican descent with over 20 years of experience working within social services. She currently holds the position of director for a social services program and has a BA in Criminal Justice with a minor in sociology. By working alongside and witnessing firsthand the adverse effects that occur when an individual is unprepared and undervalued, she holds a strong belief that for a change to happen, young people must be empowered by having access to services that enhance their abilities. Natasha is a mother of 4, a devoted daughter, and a friend. In her spare time, she loves to travel.
PAMELA SMITH, BOARD TREASURER
PAMELA SMITH, BOARD TREASURER
PAMELA SMITH, BOARD TREASURER
Pamela Smith is a Brooklyn native who has resided in Middletown, DE, for over 20 years. Pamela has been employed in the public sector for 15 years in various finance and accounting roles, including working with appointed as well as elected officials. In addition to her expertise in finance, Pamela has experience in community economic de
Pamela Smith is a Brooklyn native who has resided in Middletown, DE, for over 20 years. Pamela has been employed in the public sector for 15 years in various finance and accounting roles, including working with appointed as well as elected officials. In addition to her expertise in finance, Pamela has experience in community economic development and transportation services.
Pamela holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business and comes to the Liberated Success board with previous board experience; she has sat on the board of the Reading Assist Institute, whose mission was to improve the literacy skills of children at risk for reading failure. Pamela has also volunteered as a Casa NYC Volunteer -Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children in Foster Care.
Pamela believes in serving her community, and leaving a legacy of supporting children is a gift that keeps on giving. Her passion is serving the needs of adolescents to ensure that students are armed with the right decision-making tools to put them on a solid path to success.
In addition to Pamela’s commitment to her community, she is active in her church, Seed of Greatness, serving in The Seeds Shop (Bookstore), and is a devoted wife, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend.
DINA COX, BOARD SECRETARY
PAMELA SMITH, BOARD TREASURER
DINA COX, BOARD SECRETARY
Dina Cox is a Search Associate in the non-profit sector of a Forbes’ top 10 executive search firm. Dina works with various non-profit organizations to find their next leaders. In her work, she manages all aspects of the search process with a focus on project management, candidates, and client logistics. In 2018, Dina was honored to joi
Dina Cox is a Search Associate in the non-profit sector of a Forbes’ top 10 executive search firm. Dina works with various non-profit organizations to find their next leaders. In her work, she manages all aspects of the search process with a focus on project management, candidates, and client logistics. In 2018, Dina was honored to join a firm that centers equity in its search process.
Dina began her career at the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation, where she worked as a Project Manager for the sister entertainment division of the Foundation. Dina was responsible for managing the logistics for posthumously releasing music from hip-hop legend Tupac Shakur. Dina started at the Foundation in 1997.
Dina is a humanitarian by nature and thrives on helping others and finding new ways to chase joy. She is extremely passionate about our youth and making sure they feel seen, heard, and supported. Dina looks forward to changing the lives of our young people and assisting them in making traditional and non-traditional career paths.
Dina enjoys traveling and spending time with her family. Dina is married with a daughter and a dog son. She resides in Atlanta, GA.
YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD
LANA ASANTE
CLAYTON WARD, JR
LANA ASANTE
Hampton University, Class of 2028
Major: Business Administration (Pre-Law Track), 5-Year MBA Program
Youth Advisory Board Chair, Liberated Success
Lana Asante is a sophomore at Hampton University pursuing a five-year MBA on the pre-law track and current Sophomore Class President A proud graduate of the Brooklyn Latin School, Lana joine
Hampton University, Class of 2028
Major: Business Administration (Pre-Law Track), 5-Year MBA Program
Youth Advisory Board Chair, Liberated Success
Lana Asante is a sophomore at Hampton University pursuing a five-year MBA on the pre-law track and current Sophomore Class President A proud graduate of the Brooklyn Latin School, Lana joined Liberated Success in high school and quickly emerged as a dynamic youth leader. As the founding Chair of the Liberated Success Youth Advisory Board, she has led community engagement initiatives, amplified youth voice in strategic planning, and delivered keynote speeches at donor events.
Lana is deeply committed to using her education and leadership to drive equity in business and policy. She was also a finalist in the prestigious Goldman Sachs Market Madness: HBCU Possibilities Program and a participant in the Challenge EY Case Competition, where she helped present innovative solutions to public-sector challenges facing the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
AMADI UTAK
CLAYTON WARD, JR
LANA ASANTE
Amadi Utak is a Business Administration major at Hampton University, with a focus in accounting. He is a New York City native who attended the Brooklyn Latin School in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Initially, he joined Liberated Success as an intern and now currently sits as a member on the Liberated Success Youth Advisory Board, steering you
Amadi Utak is a Business Administration major at Hampton University, with a focus in accounting. He is a New York City native who attended the Brooklyn Latin School in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Initially, he joined Liberated Success as an intern and now currently sits as a member on the Liberated Success Youth Advisory Board, steering youth empowerment programming, but has been serving our community engagement efforts since his high school years. Amadi brings management and organizational experience from his campus involvement and corporate internship experiences, to drive strategy and planning within our organization. Looking to the future, he plans to
give back to his community through philanthropy and move into a career in finance.
JOSIAH UTAK
CLAYTON WARD, JR
CLAYTON WARD, JR
Josiah Utak is a recent graduate of Columbia Prep and a rising freshman at San Diego State University, where he plans to major in Business Administration with a minor in Art History. Originally from Brooklyn and now residing in Delaware. Josiah brings a unique blend of artistic perspective and entrepreneurial ambition to everything he
Josiah Utak is a recent graduate of Columbia Prep and a rising freshman at San Diego State University, where he plans to major in Business Administration with a minor in Art History. Originally from Brooklyn and now residing in Delaware. Josiah brings a unique blend of artistic perspective and entrepreneurial ambition to everything he does.
Josiah’s passion for visual storytelling began with black-and-white photography, capturing the beauty of nature and architecture throughout New York City. He sharpened his artistic voice during the Expanding the Walls Fellowship at the Studio Museum in Harlem, where he honed his eye for detail and deepened his understanding of photography as a tool for narrative and cultural preservation. His work has also been featured at the Hill Art Foundation.
Josiah joined Liberated Success in high school through college tours and employment readiness training. As a Youth Advisory Board member, he now helps shape the organization’s approach to youth engagement, artistic expression, and post-secondary success. His long-term goal is to build a career that blends business, art, and community—creating spaces where young people can lead, create, and thrive.
CLAYTON WARD, JR
CLAYTON WARD, JR
CLAYTON WARD, JR
Clayton Ward, Jr. is a sophomore at Temple University’s Fox School of Business, majoring in Economics with aspirations of becoming a data analyst in the finance or investment banking sector. A graduate of Poly Prep Country Day School, Clayton served as an Umoja Leader and excelled both academically and athletically, participating in va
Clayton Ward, Jr. is a sophomore at Temple University’s Fox School of Business, majoring in Economics with aspirations of becoming a data analyst in the finance or investment banking sector. A graduate of Poly Prep Country Day School, Clayton served as an Umoja Leader and excelled both academically and athletically, participating in varsity basketball, track and field, and student leadership organizations.
Clayton became involved with Liberated Success in high school, where he stood out as a driven and thoughtful leader during college tours and employment readiness. As a Youth Advisory Board member, Clayton provides insight into how young people navigate postsecondary planning while balancing work, academics, and leadership. His experience working in fast-paced environments, from summer camp counseling to customer service roles reflects his strong work ethic and adaptability.
At Temple, Clayton is actively involved with the Temple Finance Association, Temple Private Equity Group, and serves as a manager for the men’s basketball team. He is passionate about leveraging economic research and financial strategies to support underrepresented communities and drive equitable growth. His long-term goal is to use data to solve complex economic problems and influence inclusive financial decision-making in the corporate sector.
