Keith Smith, Jr. is the Founder and Lead Coach at Path to Purpose, a tech-enabled transformational coaching practice for opportunity youth and returning citizens. Keith is passionate about helping young people from low-income backgrounds combat negative economic and social influences and build positive, productive, and purposeful lives. Path to Purpose’s signature 12-week coaching program can be accessed as a self-directed online course or delivered for a group in partnership with nonprofit, education, or government agencies serving at-risk populations.

As both a serial entrepreneur and a returning citizen whose first brushes with the criminal justice system started in high school, Keith brings an authentic perspective to his coaching, mentoring, and community volunteering. Prior to launching Path to Purpose, he started a real estate investment business, Smith, LLC, which he has owned since 2006. He has also worked as a personal trainer at LA Fitness and believes that mind and body wellness are important ingredients in finding your purpose and living in it. He helps his clients think holistically about what it means to transform from the inside out.

Keith earned a Liberal Arts degree from Naugatuck Valley Community College in 2006 and his Bachelor of Science degree in Sustainable Enterprise Management at Ashford University in 2013. He has been a volunteer for the State of Connecticut, assisting men of all ages with creating their resumes, completing job applications, and preparing for job interviews. Keith has been an active NVCC alumni volunteer mentor for the campus Men’s Group. He was selected to be part of the Fall 2021 cohort of COLLAB New Haven and is currently a member of the State of Connecticut's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee of the Governor’s Workforce Council where he advises the Youth Subcommittee.