Colleen Smith - Center for Justice Innovation

Colleen joined Newark Community Solutions, the Center’s community justice initiative in New Jersey, as the Clinical Coordinator in 2014. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the Director of New Jersey Programs at the Center for Justice Innovation, she now oversees Newark Community Solutions and supports the Center’s work throughout the state of New Jersey. Colleen possesses over a decade of experience working with people involved in the legal system in both community and custodial settings. In addition to her work at the Center, Colleen works in higher education and is an alumnus of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Clinical Scholars program, a national leadership program that helps interdisciplinary teams of clinicians build a culture of health in their communities.

Colleen holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from New York University and a Bachelor’s Degree from McGill University.

Colleen's Updates

Rikers Island Must Close. A Renewed Commission Will Lead the Way.

Rikers Island must close. That’s why a renewed Lippman Commission—bringing together leaders from across the city—is more urgent than ever.

Where Justice Meets the Arts

A source of beauty and hope and an instrument of change, art holds a mirror up to our society, casting light on injustice while bringing a better world into view. Take a look at some artwork and murals that our teams have recently brought to life to build community, encourage healing, and make justice a reality.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Centering Support, Safety, and Survivors

Domestic violence goes to the heart of the challenge of building safe and just communities, and demands that we listen deeply to the needs of survivors and others who have experienced harm; that we involve the community intimately in decisions about safety and accountability. This Domestic Violence Awareness Month, learn how we at the Center for Justice Innovation put these ideas into action.

MacKenzie Scott’s Gift Will Strengthen Innovation, Justice, and Safety

We are excited to announce that the Center for Justice Innovation has received an $8 million grant from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott—the largest single gift in our history!