A Message from Our Founder

Hi! I’m Nia Smart, and I’m the Founder of the SPHC Foundation.

While Smart Public Health Consulting (SPHC) focuses on supporting organizations and systems, I created the SPHC Foundation to go a step further, to connect directly with the people in our communities. I wanted to make space for work that’s deeply personal, community-led, and focused on real impact.

This work is rooted in my own lived experiences. I grew up watching people I love, and my community struggle to navigate confusing health systems and hard-to-understand information, often without the support or resources they needed. That stuck with me. It’s what drives my passion for making health education and support more human, more relatable, and easier to access.

At the SPHC Foundation, we believe change starts by listening. We back our programs with local data and collaborate closely with health departments, nonprofits, and community members to make sure we’re meeting real needs. We stay connected to what’s happening on the ground so we can respond in ways that are timely, relevant, and actually helpful.

And let’s be real, we want to have fun while we’re doing it! This is also a space where I get to weave in my personality and remind others that it’s okay to show up as yourself. We’re doing important work, but we can still laugh, connect, and be fully human through it all.

One thing I always say when it comes to educating our communities:
“Talk to people like you would talk to your family members. That’s it. That’s all.”

Thanks for being here. Whether you’re looking for resources, connection, or a way to give back, know that we’re here with you—and for you—every step of the way. Don’t hesitate to connect with me via LinkedIn or through our Contact Us Page.

The SPHC Foundation is fiscally sponsored by the Greater Washington Community Foundation, and all donations are 100% tax-deductible.

— Nia Smart
Founder, SPHC Foundation