Born and raised in White Plains, Renée Willis Smith considers herself an alumna of the White Plains Youth Bureau where she would often attend with her father, Charles Willis, who worked with youth at the Youth Bureau Teen Lounges. According to Renée, the Youth Bureau has and continues to shape the lives of White Plains youth by providing critical programs in a nurturing and supportive environment.

She received a BBA in Marketing from Iona College and an MBA in Marketing and International Business from Pace University. She has worked for Fortune 50 companies in the fields of Management Consulting, Human Resources and Telecommunications.

Giving back is at the core of Renée’s values, which is why it was easy to say yes at the opportunity of becoming a founding member of the Friends of White Plains Youth Bureau where she also serves as President. The mission of the Friends board is to provide every child of the city of White Plains with access to reach their potential and having the opportunity to work with Frank Williams and his team has not only been a full circle experience, but a rewarding one as well.