About me
Kayla Smith is a nonprofit leader with a passion for community engagement, fundraising strategy, and donor relations in the Richmond region. As Director of Community Engagement at Better Housing Coalition in Richmond, Virginia, she leads initiatives that connect donors, volunteers, and community partners to advance housing stability and economic mobility.
With a strong background in fundraising and donor relations, Kayla has led strategies generating significant annual giving revenue, executed high-impact engagement and fundraising events, and managed communications that deepen donor relationships. In her current role, Kayla directs Better Housing Coalition's Young Professionals Board, guiding its fundraising, volunteerism, and advocacy efforts to align with broader organizational priorities. Under her leadership, the board has become a meaningful pipeline for emerging leaders while expanding community engagement and philanthropic support. She also brings experience launching and advising how to strategically introduce a young professionals or associate board, having spearheaded the creation of CARITAS’ inaugural Junior Board.
Beyond her professional role, Kayla is actively involved in the nonprofit sector as a Board Member of the Greater Virginia Women’s Affordable Housing Network and the Association of Fundraising Professionals Central Virginia Chapter. She is also a recent graduate of the Community Foundation for a greater Richmond's Emerging Nonprofit Leadership Program.
Kayla holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Randolph-Macon College with a minor in Psychology. She brings a practical, results-oriented perspective to her work and is passionate about helping organizations introduce the next generation of philanthropists and advocates to their mission in a meaningful way.
