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 a decade 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. As the founder of Scholar Smarts and Employment Smarts, she addresses challenges through community partnerships and the concept of a supportive "village."
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
Roseanda Holliday-Piggott
Manager at Spring Venture Group & Scholar Smarts Employment Resources
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
Carol McGraw
Executive Community Health Partner, Grant Writer
Nancy Mays
Executive Board Member,
Public Relations
Daniella Apodaca
Employment Smarts - Youth Workforce Academy Instructor/ESL
Advisory Board Members
LaShaunda Jackson
Director of T & L Welding Academy, Admin Financials
Mari Foster
Scholar Smarts Instructor & Belton School Teacher Aide
Jana Trew
SR Program Officer Behavior Health, Strategic Mgt.
Rick Usher
Founder of Usher Garage LLC, Grant Supporter and College Fair Coordinator
Annette Le’Pique
Realtor Sales Executive at Realty One Group
Lesha Kincaid
Scholar Smarts Project Intern,
Technology and Social Media
Scholar Smarts Students Recognition Fall 2024
Preston
Senior
Lincoln College Prep
Dollars for Scholars Book Scholarship Awardee
Elijah
Sophomore
Lee’s Summit R-7 School
Scholar Smarts Ambassador
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.
President's Community Impact Award
Success-Ready Student Network Innovation Zone
Success-Ready Student Network Innovation Zone
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
Success-Ready Student Network Innovation Zone
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.
City Wide Youth Athletic Sports Academy
Scholar Smarts teams up with MSHSAA, LINC After School programs, ACT, CBI and a host of other Sports Experts and Vendors. This event will be EPIC!! We also will partner with Sports Celebrities, Raq, and KC Varsity Combine!! Come get your Braggin’ Rights on point!! April 12, 2025, at Southeast HS Complex.