LaDarrick Smith is a product management associate at Visa, Inc. He graduated as an honors student with a degree in finance from Morehouse College and is a passionate advocate for youth and community wellness. He has been dedicated to substance misuse prevention and community empowerment since the age of 15. Growing up in Angie, Louisiana, he began his journey with the Washington Parish Youth Coalition (WPYC), a branch of the Washington Parish Coalition on Human Services. Through WPYC, he connected with ADAPT (All Deserve Advocacy, Prevention, and Treatment), a Bogalusa, Louisiana-based organization focused on drug prevention, advocacy, and expanding treatment access in underserved communities.

LaDarrick’s involvement with ADAPT strengthened his commitment to grassroots advocacy, establishing him as a leader in prevention education. He empowers young people with essential knowledge about substance misuse and advocates for policies that promote healthier, safer communities. Building on this foundation, LaDarrick expanded his impact nationally as a CADCA youth trainer, working with youth across the country. Through workshops and leadership programs, he equips young people to inspire positive change in their communities. In 2019, he was honored as CADCA’s National Youth Leader of the Year.

At Morehouse, LaDarrick amplified his impact, led service initiatives, mentored young people, and served as Senior Class Vice President. His journey reflects a steadfast commitment to community empowerment and meaningful change, inspiring others to build healthier, safer communities nationwide.