Community Engagement

Helping you navigate forward and connecting you to resources and assistance, our regional Community Engagement team members live within the region we serve. We take a proactive approach to identify historically excluded communities within each region of the state. We strive to develop long-term relationships with Tribal leaders and program staff, community-based organizations, elected officials, faith-based and informal community leaders.

Cheryl Smith is director of Community Engagement and Outreach for the Department of Commerce, where her team helps communities address priority needs through technical assistance, navigating funding programs and advocacy. Her team also launches innovative projects and policy development initiatives that advance Commerce’s mission of strengthening communities, including efforts around child care and equity. Cheryl has a long track record of leading collaborative efforts in state and local government to address complex issues and opportunities. Her experience includes local infrastructure financing, environmental protection, community planning and self-help, grant and loan programs, regulatory streamlining and initiatives to advance equity. She is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Kansas State University, earning a bachelor’s in political science and social sciences and a master’s in public administration. She holds several personal coaching certifications and considers herself a lifelong learner. Cheryl is passionate about being an ally for all. She values working with the talented team at Commerce and is inspired by people from all walks of life whose dedication makes Washington’s communities so vibrant. A Michigan transplant, Cheryl lives in Olympia with her family and has grown to love the Pacific Northwest, rain and all.