Dr. Michael Smith, Sr., Founder and Executive Director

Dr. Smith’s traditional business background covers several years as an entrepreneur, which includes being the founder and President of Integrity Insurance, LLC located in WA State. He’s worked in the industries of health, finance and business development. He has over twenty years of experience in the direct sales industry, which began in the mid eighties. He has since consulted and worked with company owners, noted attorneys, aggregators, developers and trainers in the industry.

Dr. Smith’s foundational commitment to social awareness is anchored by his religious beliefs and personal convictions. He’s been a minister of the gospel since the age of eighteen; he was ordained in 1988 and received his Doctorate of Theology degree in 1996. He is currently the Overseer and Senior Pastor of Destiny Ministry Church located in Kent, WA.

His years of theological studies help the organization to always have the proper social mindset to address and confront the issues that the organization is seeking to solve. As an entrepreneur for many years he understands the needs of the potential business owner and shares the growing concerns of the corporate executive.

His experience and expertise in the arena of traditional business, direct sales and religion gives him a unique position of insight, wisdom and vision to lead the organization.

Lyle Quasim, Advisory Board

Mr. Quasim is a United States Air Force veteran who served his country during the Vietnam War. His educational background is filled with numerous accomplishments which includes a Master’s Degree in Sociology.

His social and community work covers more than forty years.

For over eight years he held the position of Chief of Staff for Pierce County where he was responsible for the daily operation of the Executive Branch county government departments, some of which were Human Resources, Facilities, Community Services, Human Services, Public Works, Emergency Management, Sheriff and Planning, with emphasis on keeping costs to a minimum while maintaining excellent service for the people of Pierce County and a beneficial work environment for the County’s employees. 

From 1995 to 2000 he was the Chief Executive Officer of Washington State government’s largest agency, the Department of Social and Health Services with more than 19,000 employees, offices in all 39 counties, and an annual budget of $6 billion. He was responsible for social and health programs including Economic and Medical Assistance, Children’s Services, Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, Juvenile Rehabilitation, Aging and Adult services, Human Resources and Vocational Rehabilitation.

Mr. Quasim’s other positions of leadership include Assistant Secretary, Health and Rehabilitative Services Administration, Director of the Safe Streets Campaign,

He has and still does serve on numerous boards for social justice, environmental safety, education, economic empowerment, health, board of governors for noted colleges, crime prevention, and many others.

His community awards include but are not limited to the following:

 DSHS Secretary’s Award, Urban League Person of the Year, Washington Council on Crime and Delinquency, Washington Correction Association Citizens Award, Pacific Lutheran University Outstanding Achievement Award, American Society for Public Administration, Black Educators Achievement Award, Blacks in Government Achievement Award, CAMIO – Community Action for Mentally Ill Offender, Commendation of Ethnic Minority Advocacy Commission, Concolio for the Spanish Speaking, Municipal League, NAACP Achievement Award, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Washington Leadership Institute Commendation, Washington State Patrol Distinguished Recognition Award, Pacific Lutheran Centennial Alumni Recognition, Seattle Vocation Institute, Tacoma Community House Commendation, Bates Technical and Community College Distinguished Service Award.

Neshella R. Mitchell, M.TH -  Advisory Board

Professor Mitchell has worked in the field of health/wellness and social services for over twenty five years.  She is currently employed with the University of Washington Parent-Child Assistance Program (PCAP), as a Research Consultant/Professor. This is an award winning intervention model working with mothers who abuse alcohol and drugs during pregnancy and victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. 

In 1996, she founded Abundant Life Outreach Ministries for Families, a non-profit organization located in Washington State that offers individual and family support services.

Since 2003, she has worked as the Founder, CEO and President of Neshella’s Business Women’s Networking Affair. This program hosts business fairs to showcase products and services of women who own their own businesses.

She has been a seasonal Professor at Mars Hill College in Bothell, Washington since 2004, educating divinity school graduate students about the dynamics of domestic violence and health/wellness. She presently sits on several boards and task force committees for social service issues, health/wellness issues and domestic violence issues in Pierce and King County.

Professor Mitchell has received several renowned appreciation awards for her great work as an advocate, motivational speaker, professor, educator, Pastor and writer in the fields of program development, health/wellness, domestic violence and substance abuse.