Meet Our Team
Pauline Eatmon-Johnson | Executive Director, Founder
Pauline is an experienced educator and advocate with over 23 years in Human Resources and 16 years as a Corporate Bank Officer. Transitioning to education over decades ago, she focuses on empowering families in the Kansas City Metro area, particularly those with low to moderate incomes, first-generation college students, and limited access to technology.
With a BA from Washburn University, an MS in Career and Technical Education from CMSU, and State Certification as a Career Coordinator, Pauline has worked in several local school districts and holds certifications in Learning and Development. She is a member of MOCAC, MOACTE, Digital Learning Educators , and an advocate of Real World Learning . She also is certified as a DeBruce Agilities Coach. As the founder of Scholar Smarts and Employment Smarts, she addresses challenges through community partnerships and the concept of a supportive "village". Establishing a ecosystem of resources.
Pauline’s expertise in educational leadership and career development drives her commitment to providing resources and support, helping students and families overcome barriers and reach their potential.
Executive Board Members
Dr. Tyrone Bates Jr.
Educator & CEO/Founder of True Empowering - Scholar Smarts Academia Manager
Christian Herring
KIPP Instructor & Scholar Smarts Workshops ACT Prep Educator
Danielle Johnson
Scholar Smarts Marketing Manager & Marketing Executive at Publicis
Kathy Gates-Mosley MSM, SHRM-CP
HR Blue Cross/Blue Shield - Scholar Smarts Employment Resources
Advisory Board Members
LaShaunda Jackson
Director of T & L Welding Academy, Admin Financials
Rick Usher
Founder of Usher Garage LLC, Grant Supporter and College Fair Coordinator
Ricardo Luna
Junior Financial Consultant
Technology Lead Support
Carol McGraw
Executive Community Health Partner, Grant Writer
Annette Le’Pique
Realtor Sales Executive at Realty One Group
Iesha Kincaid
Scholar Smarts Project Intern,
Technology and Social Media
Daniella Apodaca
Employment Smarts - Youth Workforce Academy Instructor/ESL
Scholar Smarts Students Recognition Spring 2025
Preston
Senior
Lincoln College Prep
Dollars for Scholars Book Scholarship Awardee
Attending St. Olaf College Fall 2025
Elijah
Junior
Lee’s Summit R-7 School
Scholar Smarts Ambassador
KhaiReann
Senior
Central High School, KCMO
Scholar Smarts Ambassador
KC Scholars Scholarship Winner
Attending Mizzou, Fall 2025
Our Awards & Recognitions
Success-Ready Student Network Innovation Zone
Success-Ready Student Network Innovation Zone
Success-Ready Student Network Innovation Zone
Scholar Smarts Non-Profit supports competency based learning systems, and has been recognized by the State of Missouri Success-Ready Student Network Innovation Zones. Scholar Smarts NON-Profit is being recognized for supporting the work of the Innovation Zones by serving as experts on essential employability skills needed by students and helping educators make connections to Real World Learning opportunities. Scholar Smarts is listed as a member of the Collaborative Zone.
Spring City Wide- HS Sports Athletic Summit
Success-Ready Student Network Innovation Zone
Success-Ready Student Network Innovation Zone
Early April 2025 Scholar Smarts presented it's first City-Wide Athletic Summit. It was a success! HS Athletes from urban Kansas City Metro Schools participated in Sports and Academic workshops to prepare themselves for what Collegiate Sport Athletic Expectations was all about! It was an added benefit afterwards to have a sports Combine. Media Recognition include local TV Stations Channel 9 KMBC and Channel 5 KCTV
President's Community Impact Award
September 14th - Scholar Smarts Day
September 14th - Scholar Smarts Day
Scholar Smarts Founder and Consultant Pauline Eatmon-Johnson has been selected by the Alpha Delta Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. with the President's Community Impact Award. As Coordinator of the recent Infinite Scholar College Fair under Scholar Smarts. The Fraternity cites "We have been impressed with your efforts to better our community and believe it aligns with our fraternity's mission and global focus." A public Blue Carpet Gala Affair will be held Oct 28 2023 for all Awardees.
September 14th - Scholar Smarts Day
September 14th - Scholar Smarts Day
September 14th - Scholar Smarts Day
September 14th has been officially proclaimed as Scholar Smarts Day by the Kansas City Mayor's Office. This day recognizes Scholar Smarts' dedication to empowering students through educational resources and fostering academic excellence in the community. The proclamation honors the organization's ongoing efforts to enhance learning opportunities for young people in Kansas City.