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Carmen J. Smith

Carmen has a 45-year professional history in the entertainment industry and a proven track record of developing award-winning and successful content. Her remarkable career spans more than three decades at one of the leading entertainment companies in the world. Carmen’s responsibilities include developing a diverse pipeline of product, themed experiences, and talent. She is a key voice shaping the creative construct of family entertainment experiences and the establishment of external partnerships to enhance product relevance in the global marketplace.

Carmen is a valued liaison with diverse creative communities around the country, non-profit arts institutions, entertainment industry guilds, colleges and universities to nurture talented, emerging writers, actors, and directors.

 
 
 

LEADERSHIP

Carmen’s expertise not only stems from her professional experience but her community and industry leadership experience as well. She held various leadership roles throughout her career focused on serving underserved populations both inside and outside of the theatre. Leadership roles include the following:

Board of Directors:
Urban Resource Institute
Robey Theatre Company
Mattie C. Stewart Foundation
East/West Players
AFROPOP Worldwide

Presenter:
United Nations’ Fourth Non-Governmental Forum on Women in Beijing, China


EDUCATION

A native of New York, Carmen graduated from Hunter College with a degree in communication arts. She received her Masters in International Administration from New York University, completed the Simmons Graduate School of Management Certificate Program for Developing Managers and Harvard University Women and Power Executive Education Program at John F. Kennedy School of Government.

She received an Honorary Doctorate from the Metropolitan College of New York in 2007.


RECOGNITION & SERVICE AWARDS

  • Hall of Fame of the Alumni of Hunter College of the City University of New York

  • Great Seal of the State of New York for Community Service

  • Urban Resource Institute, Certificate for Outstanding Leadership

  • Outstanding Service to Battered Women, Doors of Hope Foundation

  • Theresa’s Haven Award, Family Support Systems

  • Transitional Housing Services of New York, 2005

  • Community Award, Florida A & M University Bernard and Shirley Kinsey, 2013

  • Service Award, Urban Resource Institute, 2016


INDUSTRY ACCOLADES

Carmen has received significant awards and recognition from the entertainment industry for her professional achievements and visionary leadership, and for her unwavering dedication to making a difference in the lives of women and children.

  • Black Achiever in Industry, ABC, Inc., 2000

  • John D. Blodger Diversity Award, 2001

  • National American Scene Award, Crystal Award,

  • American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, 2003

  • Actors’ Equity and SAG Diversity Honoree,

  • American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, 2004

  • Oneness Award, Promoting Diversity in Television and Film, 2004

  • Directors Guild of American African-American

  • Steering Committee Award, 2004

  • National Scene Award, American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, 2005

  • Visionary Award, Institute of American Indian Arts Frances E. Williams Award, 2006

  • Pat Tobin Award of Excellence, Our Authors Study Club, 2009

  • Champion of Diversity Award, DiversityBusiness.com, 2009

  • DiversityFirst Award, California Diversity Council, 2009

  • Top 100 Executive Leaders, Diversity MBA Magazine, 2009

  • Top 100 Executives in America, Uptown Professional Magazine, 2011

  • Women’s History Month, Remarkable Women Making a Remarkable Difference,

  • Museum of African American Art, 2012

  • Diversity Leadership Peer Award, Diversity Women Magazine, 2015

  • Mosaic Lifetime Achievement Award, American Advertising Federation, 2016

  • Corporate Leadership Award, Caribbean Heritage Salute to Hollywood & Excellence, 2016