Founder & CEO, 1,000 Ties
Jowan Smith is a powerhouse CEO, award-winning author, motivational speaker, and community leader who is changing lives across the nation. She is the founder and CEO of 1,000 Ties, a nonprofit organization that empowers young men through life skills training, professional development, and mentorship preparing them for success in school, careers, and beyond.
Jowan is the author of eight published titles, including Grandma Hattie’s Ice Cream, an International Impact Award winner and two-time Amazon Top 25 bestseller. Her second book, Grandma Hattie’s Picnic Adventure, continues to promote literacy and family bonding through heartwarming storytelling. Her work has garnered national recognition, including a feature on the Jennifer Hudson Show, where she shared her mission with a nationwide audience.
In 2025, Jowan was honored as one of Northeast Ohio’s Remarkable Women, and in 2022, she was inducted into the John Hay High School Hall of Fame for her outstanding contributions to education, youth development, and community service.
She is the visionary behind the 1,000 Ties to Greatness Literacy and Leadership Tour, a national initiative that brings mentorship, literacy, and life skills workshops to schools across the country bridging the gap between students and community role models.
Jowan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration and Management from Cleveland State University, where she cultivated her passion for policy, leadership, and service.
A lupus warrior, former caseworker, and master of the elevator pitch, Jowan’s journey is one of resilience, impact, and transformation. She continues to inspire others through her work, her writing, and her voice.
Learn more at: jowansmith.com | 1000ties.net | instagram.com/authorjowansmith