BIOS

Leslie M. Smith 

Leslie M. Smith, President & CEO of  DistancEd. Inc. retired from IBM Corporation as a Business Development Executive after 33 years of service where he had a rewarding career that allowed him to travel worldwide and experience various cultures, political views, and economic/social differences. His responsibilities included leadership, marketing and sales within the constituent marketplace (American Indian, Asian, Black LGBT, Hispanic and women-owned businesses). While at IBM his volunteer work focused on developing programs that would give the disenfranchised and seniors easy access to computer technology across the United States. Leslie’s efforts were recognized by numerous awards for his innovation, creativity, and accomplishments. Prior to joining IBM, he held an executive leadership role in the Future Product Development Division at ROLM Corporation. He is a US Army Veteran and served as a Washington, D.C. police officer. Smith attended American University, majoring in Sociology. He currently serves on several boards and is a contributor to U.S. News and World Report. His passion is helping the underserved nationally and internationally – specifically, those who need help in crossing the technological digital divide. Leslie was awarded his fourth Presidential Volunteer Service Award (President Bush & President Obama, respectively) for his work in serving the underserved communities in the United States. IBM recognized Leslie by writing an article about his work with the American Indians and placing it on IBM’s Website-homepage – Living the Values (see story). Leslie served as SeniorNet’s (a national non-profit) Chairman of the Board from 2005 to 2015.     

Michele has more than 20 years of experience as a sales and marketing professional with proven expertise in the IT Solutions industry. Her years of experience also include Executive Recruitment — working with senior executives in Fortune 500 companies and national nonprofit organizations where she successfully recruited top talent for senior staff and executive level positions.

She is accomplished in the areas of resume building/cover letter writing, job screening, conducting probing interviews, reference checks and preparing a potential candidate for the hiring process. Michele has worked with nonprofit organizations where she leveraged her teaching background to educate people how to use computer technology and mobile applications. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art Education.

Reese A. Nank, APR  – Public Relations Consultant and Writer

Reese has three decades of writing, communications and public relations experience in both the corporate and non-profit sectors. She has hired and managed teams from two to thirteen members and an expert at teasing out important skills and work history when helping create a resume’. She is the author of three books and manages her own PR practice from Burr Ridge, Illinois. She holds a B.A. in communications and an M.A.S. in business. 

Cara M. Frame – Education Consultant

Cara is a resourceful researcher and analyst with excellent communications skills, including public speaking, teaching and training.  She speaks fluent French (and taught English to French-speaking students) , she also speaks intermediate Spanish and Arabic. Cara has taught  basic computer technology classes, trained volunteers how to teach and coach senior students and written curriculum for new computer technology.  She volunteered teaching ESL with mostly Spanish speaking adults and  received an Excellence in Volunteer Management Certification and the Cambridge Certificate in English Language Teaching Adults. 

Cara holds a PhD in Coursework Physics from Georgetown U., a  Masters in Applied Physics, from Virginia Commonwealth U., a BA in French from George Mason U. and a BS in Physics from University of MD.     

Reggie Brandveen – Financial Awareness Consultant