Growing up, where did you find meaningful connections?

Through sports. I started running track in 2nd grade and had a supportive and encouraging coach. I played football too and then basketball, which became my focus. Being part of competitive teams forms tight bonds, and traveling to tournaments allowed us to really know each other, as well as develop connections with peers on other teams from communities that were different from ours.  In high school, I discovered other interests and ways to connect – like through literature and philosophy.

Tell me about your first cross-cultural experience.

Early on, my cross-cultural experiences had to do with being the only African American kid among all white classmates or teammates. Playing travel basketball games in towns that were predominantly African American allowed me to forge friendships with other black kids, and by extension, my white teammates became friendly and comfortable with them as well – it really flipped a switch.

My 7th grade basketball team won the New Jersey State Championship and went on to play in Puerto Rico.  I stayed with a host family there, which was my first experience being in a home and community where people spoke another language. The player whose family I stayed with had a story similar to mine – he had sisters, I had sisters – and we clicked right away through our shared love of basketball.  

That trip sparked a lifelong yearning to learn more about different cultures. I have always wanted to live in another country, which I haven’t had the opportunity to do, but whenever I’ve had a chance to go abroad, I’ve jumped at it. I traveled with a high school classmate to Europe during my junior year in college, I went to Africa when I was working for then-Congressman Bob Torricelli early in my career, and I have continued to explore the world with my wife and family. Both of our children attended a Spanish immersion elementary school program starting in kindergarten, with an eye towards preparing them to be global citizens.

When you first learned about GNG, what drew you in?

I met GNG founder Chris Plutte though Pahara (educational leader fellowship), and he saw in me a deep desire to travel and create cross-cultural connections.  He introduced me to GNG, and invited me to visit the Amman, Jordan office with him. It was my first time in the MENA region. While by nature and upbringing – and through my training as a lawyer – I am committed to getting the facts before making a judgment and am skeptical of political spin and media bias, I realized that I was going in with little more than hearsay on which to form my baseline expectations.  

What was amazing is that I got to see Jordan through the eyes of young people participating in GNG programs in classrooms and community centers. One of the most striking experiences I had was when meeting with a group of students who had worked closely together on projects. As they were telling us about themselves and their projects, you could see them making new connections with each other in the telling of their stories. They were all Jordanian, and they were classmates who’d been working together, but they still were discovering things about one another, opening up, and developing newfound respect for each other’s viewpoints. 

Being with the students like that afforded me an unusual entrée to their culture and community, and my presence and curiosity were welcomed. I came away with feelings of hope and levity, a sense of purpose, and an even more open heart.

What continues to excite you about the organization? 

I’m incredibly excited about the future of GNG, about growing its programs and adapting to a changing landscape, while preserving the spirit and inspiration of its founders.

The essence of what GNG does continues to be powerful and relevant. The board and staff are all aligned with the mission, and we have the vision and talent on the team to realize the organization’s potential. 

There’s a lot of fretting about kids and screen time; how do you see GNG’s programs in the context of today’s digital age?

What I’ve noticed with my own kids and their friends is that technology can actually be a catalyst for kids craving more human connection – sometimes even helping them get over the anxiety that technology can otherwise exacerbate.  In my experience – as in GNG’s programs, young people often use tech as a jumping off point to get in a room and learn together face-to-face, like when GNG participants in Los Angeles did a community garden project and when participants in Tunisia organized a story slam and friends and family gathered to hear their readings.

You’ve just stepped into your role as board chair, why was this the moment to take the lead? What are the board’s priorities? 

I pride myself on being the kind of leader who facilitates growth and change. This moment requires board leadership that can both ensure the legacy continues – i.e. to be the keeper of the flame – and allow for new leadership to have their imprint on the future. This board is such a great group of people who bring relevant experience and capacities in international education, storytelling, children’s media, technology, marketing, law, management, and coaching.

Our priority is making sure that we have active engagement and continuity at the board level and that GNG has the resources it needs and enough runway to take flight in new and exciting directions. 

Who inspires you?  Who would you most like to break bread with at the next Walimah?

While it’s tempting to choose one of the well-known civil rights leaders I admire, I am truly inspired by a pioneer I have had the privilege of knowing my entire life, my Aunt Inez Smith Reid. Brilliant, courageous, and exceptionally accomplished – yet humble and selfless, Aunt Inez wrote the book on crossing boundaries. I would love her to join in a Walimah because she embodies GNG’s principles of learning from others’ stories, nurturing deep human connections, and creating community to restore faith and hope for a more just world.

Sidney R. Smith, III is an attorney who lives in Chevy Chase, MD with his wife and their two teenage children, a 1st year art student in college and a high school junior. In addition to serving as Chairman of the Global Nomads Group Board, Sid serves on the boards of Pahara Institute and Alder Graduate School of Education and on the Advisory Board for the St. Andrew’s Episcopal School’s Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning. Sid is a long-time coach of the girls’ basketball team at St. Andrews Episcopal School, where he nurtures young talent, promotes teamwork, and helps young people reach new heights.