Kasmira Smith Selected for 2025 GeorgiaForward Young Gamechangers Cohort
GeorgiaForward recently selected Kasmira Smith as one of the 49 promising professionals to serve the organization’s 2025 Young Gamechangers (YG) program. YG is a unique leadership action program hosted by GeorgiaForward, a non-profit organization administrated by the Georgia Municipal Association. Young Gamechangers brings professionals from across the state to work on the persistent challenges of one Georgia community.
In 2025, the City of Athens and Clarke County will host the Young Gamechangers. Local leaders have finalized their four “Challenge Questions” that the 2025 cohort will be charged to answer during the eight months focused on Athens, developing specific, actionable recommendations for the community. These questions focus on community impact, the town-gown relationship, economic disparity, and regional growth.
“Each year, our Young Gamechangers, through the energy and innovation of our state’s best minds, help improve our cities and counties,” said Amir Farokhi, chair of GeorgiaForward’s board of directors. “This year, we are excited and grateful to partner with Athens-Clarke County. Great ideas come from all over Georgia, and we cannot wait to see our Young Gamechangers in action.”
Kasmira Smith, 24, is the Public Information Office’s Community Engagement Coordinator for the City of Valdosta, where she fosters connections between local government and the community through strategic communication and outreach. A former news reporter, she brings a strong background in storytelling and public service, using her skills to highlight important initiatives and community impact. Passionate about leadership and civic engagement, Kasmira is a 2025 Young GameChanger, dedicated to driving positive change across Georgia.
"I am incredibly honored to be a 2025 Young GameChanger and excited for the opportunity to collaborate with fellow leaders to make a lasting impact in Athens-Clarke County," said Smith. "This experience will be invaluable, and I look forward to contributing meaningful ideas while learning from the diverse perspectives around me."
City Manager Richard Hardy said, “We are incredibly proud of Kasmira for being selected as a 2025 Young GameChanger. Her dedication to community engagement and leadership development reflects the City of Valdosta’s commitment to fostering innovative and forward-thinking leaders. We know she will represent our city well and make a meaningful impact in Athens-Clarke County.”
Mayor Scott James Matheson added, “Kasmira’s selection as a 2025 Young GameChanger is a testament to her passion for service and leadership. The City of Valdosta values opportunities that empower our team members to grow and contribute to communities beyond our own. We look forward to seeing the great work she accomplishes through this program.”
“Athens has always thrived on innovation and creative energy, so we are delighted to host the Young Gamechangers here in 2025. This is a group that I know will contribute enhanced vitality to Athens and the entire state of Georgia,” said Mayor Kelly Girtz of the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government.
The 2025 cohort of Gamechangers will meet for the first time in Athens on April 23rd, and their work will culminate with a community presentation of their findings and recommendations on Thursday, November 6th. The Gamechangers are accomplished professionals aged 40 and under from across the state who wish to make an impact through civic engagement, economic development, and community partnerships. A third of the class is from the Athens-Clark County area, another third is from the metro Atlanta region, and the remaining third are from greater Georgia.
Previous Young Gamechangers Host Communities are Columbus-Muscogee County, Americus-Sumter County, Dublin-Laurens County, Douglasville-Douglas County, Augusta-Richmond County, LaGrange-Troup County, Milledgeville-Baldwin County, Albany-Dougherty County, Monroe-Walton County, Dalton-Whitfield County, Columbus-Muscogee County, and Valdosta-Lowndes County.