Bernita Smith has focused her career on creating better communities through information. She is the Director of Neighborhood Nexus, a community information system, powered by the Atlanta Regional Commission and the Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta. She received her master’s degree from Georgia Institute of Technology in City and Regional Planning and a bachelor’s in science degree from Rutgers University in Environmental Planning. She has served as a researcher and teaching assistant at Michigan State University; a community organizer on mental health issues, women’s rights, breast cancer, rural development, urban digital networking, and land development. Bernita has served as grassroots advisory leader with various nonprofits, community groups, elected officials, and political candidates across the United States.