Meet the Board

Jamilia Smith Board Chair jsmith@brightenacademy.com Jamilia Smith is a wife, mother to three beautiful daughters, and a dedicated advocate for education and leadership development. Jamilia brings a wealth of experience and passion to our school community. Holding a Master of Public Administration in Human Resource and Nonprofit Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Public Relations, she is an accomplished leader, consultant, and coach. As a professional Business Consultant and Leadership Development Coach, Jamilia manages a diverse portfolio of businesses generating $150M-$200M annually across the United States. With over 15 years of higher education and corporate leadership experience, she has excelled in Career Services, Human Resources, Talent Strategy and Development, and Recruitment. Her strategic leadership has driven positive outcomes in gainful employment for college graduates, resulting in accreditation maintenance and renewal, increased funding, and a decrease in student loan debt for graduates in creative arts fields. A sought-after motivational speaker with over a decade of expertise in governance, public policy, and parliamentary procedure, Jamilia also serves as a Douglas County Chamber of Commerce Ambassador and a member of the county’s strategic planning team. She is a 2024 graduate of Leadership Douglas and continues to pursue higher education in Executive and Strategic Leadership as a lifelong learner. Passionate about fostering environments where students, staff, and parents thrive, she is dedicated to advancing student achievement and academic success. When not working, Jamilia cherishes traveling with her amazing husband and daughters.

Evony Hammonds Board Vice Chair ehammonds@brightenacademy.com Evony Hammonds is the Executive Director of Douglas County Travel & Tourism (DCTT) in Georgia. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Telecommunications from Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University and a Master of Arts in Communications from Southern New Hampshire University. This strong academic background led her to a successful career as a Television News Producer, which lasted more than a decade. Now, Evony applies her storytelling and media skills to destination marketing. She spearheads strategic initiatives designed to engage visitors, boost hotel occupancy, and highlight the local culture of Douglas County, Georgia. Additionally, she manages comprehensive marketing efforts, search engine optimization (SEO), and data-driven growth strategies for DCTT. As a recognized leader in regional tourism, Evony has obtained her Travel Marketing Professional (TMP) and Festival and Events Professional (FEP) credentials from the Southeast Tourism Society (STS) Marketing College. She also serves on the STS Board of Directors as a representative for Georgia. Passionate about fostering sustainable economic growth through community development, she collaborates closely with civic leaders and local businesses to enhance the visibility of Douglas County.

LaKia Bryant Board Secretary lbryant@brightenacademy.com LaKia Bryant is a dedicated mother, community supporter, and public leader who brings both heart and experience to every space she serves. First and foremost, she is the proud parent of two young children, a role that inspires her commitment to joyful, equitable learning environments and strong family–school partnerships. Professionally, LaKia is a seasoned public affairs and communications executive with more than 12 years of service at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Her background spans strategic communication planning, governance support, media relations, stakeholder engagement, and crisis communication, experience that equips her to navigate complex challenges with clarity, collaboration, and purpose. She has supported senior leaders across national and global health programs, guided high‑profile initiatives, and strengthened communication practices that build trust and accountability. Beyond her professional career, LaKia is deeply committed to community engagement and service. She has held several leadership roles within the community/non-profit sector that allow her to support families, strengthen communication between communities and organizations, and contribute to initiatives that uplift youth. Her long-standing involvement in community programs reflects her dedication to creating welcoming, supportive environments where children and families can thrive. LaKia holds a Master of Public Administration in Public Policy from Texas Southern University and a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication from Albany State University. She also completed multiple leadership development programs, including the Strategic Leadership Institute and the Atlanta Executive Board Peak Performance Program.

Matthew Vitale Board Member mvitale@brightenacademy.com Matt Vitale is a Senior Instructor and Captain for Delta Air Lines. In that role he is responsible for the training and certification of new pilots, as well as the development and mentoring of instructors. Mr Vitale is also has responsibilities as a project lead and Flight Training Liaison. Matt and his family have been residents of Douglas County since 2006, and members of the Brighten Family since 2020. His son is a Brighten alumni now thriving at Aleaxander High School and his daughter is still a student at Brighten.

Richard Coffee Board Member

Traci Cabrera Board Member tcabrera@brightenacademy.com Traci Cabrera is a proud wife, mother, and dedicated community advocate. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Mass Media Arts from Clark Atlanta University and began her professional career in San Diego, California, where she served as a Senior Business Development Representative for a workforce management company. As an individual contributor, Traci consistently generated more than $1 million in annual sales, building a strong foundation in business development, relationship management, and strategic problem-solving. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Traci and her family relocated back to the South and eventually settled in Georgia. When her daughter began approaching kindergarten, the family discovered Brighten Academy Charter School. Traci was immediately drawn to the school’s mission, diversity, and strong sense of community. Her positive experience as a Brighten Academy parent inspired her to become more involved, first as a room parent and later as a Governing Board Committee volunteer. Professionally, Traci serves as a Business Consultant for a national Professional Employer Organization (PEO), where she works closely with small business owners, CEOs, and CFOs to help them navigate and simplify payroll, employee benefits, workers’ compensation, and HR compliance. Her passion for helping small businesses thrive directly aligns with her commitment to supporting the continued success and growth of Brighten Academy. Beyond her professional and school community involvement, Traci serves in her church as a leader of the Almost Forgotten Store, an outreach initiative that directs proceeds toward missions supporting families and communities abroad who are in need. Outside of work and service, Traci enjoys spending time with her family, practicing self-care, and pursuing fitness. She believes in continuously striving to become the best version of herself and is committed to using her experiences, skills, and passion for service to make a meaningful impact on the Brighten Academy community.