LaVonne Smith is a Bronx native who has worked to support the New York City community her entire life. LaVonne attended Lehman College to study Sociology, and worked her way through school as a receptionist for Celebrity Cruises. After completing her Bachelor’s Degree, she worked as an Office Manager in the medical field for several years.
LaVonne came to BronxWorks in 2005, then known as Citizens Advice Bureau, in search of a career related to her sociology degree. She started as Operations Coordinator at the BronxWorks Willow Ave Family Shelter for five years, and then became Operations Coordinator at the Carolyn McLaughlin Community Center for another three years. LaVonne eventually returned to Willow Ave as the Security Coordinator, where her supervisor recognized her potential and encouraged her to go back to school for her Master’s.
LaVonne remained working at the Willow Ave Family Residence while attending New York University to obtain her Master’s Degree in Social Work. She then went on to work as Director of Social Services at Willow for several years. In 2023, LaVonne was promoted to Residence Director of Willow Ave Family Residence.
“As Residence Director I provide leadership to my team and motivation to our clients to achieve their goals. I am responsible for the overall operation of the facility including Social Services, facility management, Childcare, Recreation, and managing the budget.” LaVonne’s experience in various positions at Willow Ave and longstanding institutional knowledge has made her uniquely well-suited for her current position. LaVonne says that she has continued her career with BronxWorks because she values the connections she has made with clients and colleagues.
I really do enjoy it. I like the interactions with the clients, and I’ve really made good relationships at BronxWorks. I’ve always worked with wonderful people here… I can call my colleagues and ask for input on any situation. And I think that’s the great thing about BronxWorks.
In her free time, LaVonne enjoys attending the theater, concerts, and other live performances.
LaVonne Smith is a Bronx native who has worked to support the New York City community her entire life. LaVonne attended Lehman College to study Sociology, and worked her way through school as a receptionist for Celebrity Cruises. After completing her Bachelor’s Degree, she worked as an Office Manager in the medical field for several years.
LaVonne came to BronxWorks in 2005, then known as Citizens Advice Bureau, in search of a career related to her sociology degree. She started as Operations Coordinator at the BronxWorks Willow Ave Family Shelter for five years, and then became Operations Coordinator at the Carolyn McLaughlin Community Center for another three years. LaVonne eventually returned to Willow Ave as the Security Coordinator, where her supervisor recognized her potential and encouraged her to go back to school for her Master’s.
LaVonne remained working at the Willow Ave Family Residence while attending New York University to obtain her Master’s Degree in Social Work. She then went on to work as Director of Social Services at Willow for several years. In 2023, LaVonne was promoted to Residence Director of Willow Ave Family Residence.
“As Residence Director I provide leadership to my team and motivation to our clients to achieve their goals. I am responsible for the overall operation of the facility including Social Services, facility management, Childcare, Recreation, and managing the budget.” LaVonne’s experience in various positions at Willow Ave and longstanding institutional knowledge has made her uniquely well-suited for her current position. LaVonne says that she has continued her career with BronxWorks because she values the connections she has made with clients and colleagues.
I really do enjoy it. I like the interactions with the clients, and I’ve really made good relationships at BronxWorks. I’ve always worked with wonderful people here… I can call my colleagues and ask for input on any situation. And I think that’s the great thing about BronxWorks.
In her free time, LaVonne enjoys attending the theater, concerts, and other live performances.
