Roxann S. Smithers, Esq. is a founding Attorney at Smithers + Ume-Nwagbo, LLC. When she’s not practicing law, she supporting and mentoring entrepreneurs through Emory’s Start:ME Accelerator. From helping with their business plans, financials and projects to connecting these small business owners to other resources and opportunities, Roxann enjoys watching entrepreneurs grow and find success.

We spent a few minutes with Roxann to get a better understanding of why she volunteers her time with the Start:ME Accelerator.

Nonprofit Organization(s) You Volunteer With

Emory Start:ME Accelerator

What impact areas or pressing needs facing Atlanta do you care about most? Why?

Educating entrepreneurs and small business owners to develop a strong legal foundation for their ventures.

What do you love most about the organization you volunteer with? Why do you volunteer with them?

Start:ME does an amazing job developing and equipping business owners in underserved populations to raise commerce and economic development from the ground up.

Volunteering in April? Share where, when and if others can join you or how they can get involved.

You can join me as a mentor or support these small business owners through the Start:ME businesses shop.

How has the Covid-19 pandemic affected your volunteering efforts?

The program organizers deftly switched to virtual sessions when lockdown started during the middle of last year's program.  They upped the quality of the virtual experience with this year's program.

Can you share a memorable highlight or moment you've experienced that might motivate others to volunteer?

The best moment is to see an entrepreneur go from not knowing their numbers or not being comfortable pitching their business to having a fully fleshed out business plan, with detailed financials, and a confident pitch story.

Please list anything else you think our community should know about you, your volunteer service, or your commitment to Do Something Good!

Please be sure to visit out Legal Education page and YouTube channel at https://stulawgroup.com/legal-education/. We post engaging and informative articles, videos, and webinar invites with valuable information for the business owners.

Inspired by Roxann’s story?

Help us engage and highlight incredible efforts like Roxann’s, by making a donation to Hands On Atlanta. It takes hard work AND financial support to tackle Atlanta’s most pressing needs. When you let our hands be yours, every $1 invested turns into $6 of economic impact! Donate now and help ensure a more civically engaged and equitable Atlanta.