Adriana Smith was born in Miami, a city of vibrant cultures, where she discovered her first love, the Spanish language. This passion not only led her to study it in college but also introduced her to her first study abroad experience in Spain. This love would later guide her professional path as the Assistant Director of International Programs at Presbyterian College and as a Regional Director in University Relations at AIFS Abroad.

A dedicated advocate for justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion, Adriana has spent her career disrupting inequitable systems and amplifying the voices of underrepresented communities. For more than a decade, she has co-led workshops and sessions on topics such as combating global anti-Blackness, rethinking diversity frameworks, and centering underserved populations.

In an effort to amplify a voice from an identity she’s a member of, Adriana published Studying Abroad for Black Women, a book that takes an empowering approach to preparing Black women for enriching global experiences. Her academic background includes a master’s degree in Spanish with a focus on Applied Linguistics from New York University, where she studied at the Madrid Campus for the duration of her degree and engaged deeply with Spanish culture and language. Adriana also holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida, where she studied Criminology and Spanish and enjoyed her very first study abroad experience through a six-week summer program.

Beyond her professional achievements, Adriana has an array of interests. A former semi-professional football player, she embodies teamwork and perseverance. She also explores the world through her love of astrology, an ongoing fascination with country flags, and her favorite mystery novels—most recently enjoying the works of Nekesa Afia.

Adriana is thrilled to be part of the SFS team, where she can merge her commitment to DEI with a mission to provide transformational global experiences. Whether reading a captivating mystery, studying the stars, or collaborating with her peers, she remains focused on creating a future where every student has access to the world.