Movers and Makers/ July 2021
TJ Smith, the Community Learning Center Institute Resource Coordinator at Mt. Airy School, was honored by the Assistance League of Greater Cincinnati at their Reflection and Renewal Luncheon in July. Smith was recognized for her leadership of ASPRE!, a program she formed and has been leading for almost 10 years to build self-esteem and leadership for the 4th-6th grade girls at Mt. Airy.
More than 100 girls have participated in ASPIRE! and has included summer trips to Washington D.C. and Chicago, college visiting tours, and conferences with inspiring female leaders. As the program is financially self-sustaining through grants and donations, Smith has partnered with the Assistance League to help the girls buy their school uniforms and other necessities.
Smith’s ASPIRE! program was also recognized by the JC Penney Communities Foundation in August with a grant in recognition of the importance and impact of the program.