Rev. Dr. Najuma Smith-Pollard, Founding Pastor of Word of Encouragement Church and Assistant Director of the Center for Religion and Civic Culture & The Murray Center at USC. She is a frequent speaker and panelist for conferences related to Women’s Empowerment, Women In Ministry, Sexual Violence Awareness, Personal Development, The Black Church and Civic Engagement. In addition to her core work Rev Najuma is an Author, Radio Show Host, Business Owner and Professional Mentor. She is a lover of social media, music, dancing, movies, Fitness, and travel. She is mother to Dorian, Zuri, and Daniel (her Angel child). The best advice Rev Najuma ever received came from her mother who told her “You can do anything you set your mind to!” and this is how she tries to live her life, doing all that she can.