New Full-Time Staff 2026

Latisha Smith

ASAP Academic Advisor

Latisha Smith knows what it feels like to sit on the other side of an advisor's desk at Kingsborough Community College — because she once did.  

A Kingsborough student before transferring to Medgar Evers College, where she earned a bachelor's degree in psychology, Latisha returned to KCC in October 2025 as an ASAP academic advisor.  

In the intervening years, she has built a career centered on supporting young people, working as an academic counselor in a high school, a college and career coach, a case manager and an internship coordinator. She’s also pursuing a master's in youth studies through CUNY School of Professional Studies. 

"My passion is working with youth," she said. "I enjoy guiding students both academically and career-wise to accomplish their goals. I feel it is important that youth understand the opportunities available to them and that they do their best to pursue the future they want to see for themselves."  

She credits her former Kingsborough advisor, Jamilia Cumberbatch, with setting a standard she now hopes to live up to. "She not only spoke to me about academics but life-related things in general," Latisha said. "She always did anything within her power to make sure I was academically successful."  

Her graduate studies are already shaping her advising approach. “One of the things I am learning in the program is how students' experiences shape how they are both academically and personally,” she noted. "The program helps me to understand that every student should be approached differently based on their experience. They all come from different walks of life and backgrounds, and those needs should be met to ensure academic success."  

Looking ahead, Latisha said she is focused on building strong relationships with her student cohort and colleagues. "I want to do work that makes a real impact — whether that's helping students succeed or supporting campus initiatives," she said. “I’m especially motivated to be part of a team that values collaboration, inclusion, and continuous improvement.”  

Born and raised in Flatbush, Latisha still lives in Brooklyn with her husband and two sons. 

She sees returning to Kingsborough in her new role as her way of giving back. “I remember where I was as a student and am able to empathize with some of the challenges students face. I want to be as reliable to them as my advisor was to me."