2025 OCAAHS Eclipse Awardee Markiana Smith, Community Builder

Markiana T. Smith is a proud graduate of the University of Virginia, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in African and African American Studies. During her time at UVA, she became a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, and was the creative writing director of the Black Monologues.

Marki is a dynamic nonprofit leader, community advocate, and strategist with a deep commitment to service, equity, and connection. As the Engagement and Belonging Manager at the United Way of Greater Charlottesville, she leads initiatives that build meaningful partnerships between the organization, local nonprofits, volunteers, and the broader community. Her work centers around creating inclusive spaces and opportunities, managing signature community engagement programs, and championing causes that uplift historically marginalized populations.

She mobilizes thousands of volunteers through the annual United Way Day of Caring, a large-scale event that connects community members with nonprofit service projects across the region. Marki also plays a key role in producing the Envision Radio Show and managing the Envision Business Guide, both platforms that spotlight and support Black-owned businesses and voices in Central Virginia. In 2023, she was honored as Volunteer of the Year by the Boys and Girls Club of Orange, where she also serves on their Advisory Council.

Her fundraising and engagement work extends to initiatives like the Santa Fund for Schoolkids, which helps provides essentials such as clothing, eyeglasses, medicine, and school supplies to students in need across Central Virginia. She is a long-time resident of Barboursville, Virginia. Her favorite part of her role is witnessing the collective impact of volunteers and neighbors coming together for good. Through her work, Marki continues to strengthen the fabric of the community, one relationship at a time.