Board Member - Anthony "Smiley" Willis
Board member Anthony “Smiley” Willis is an evangelist, community advocate, motivational speaker, reentry specialist, and mentor whose life reflects resilience, transformation, and the power of second chances. Arrested at age 16 and sentenced to life in prison, Anthony spent 26 years in the North Carolina prison system before his sentence was commuted by former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper in March 2022.
During his incarceration, Anthony earned five college degrees, including a master’s degree in business management, and dedicated himself to mentoring and encouraging others. Today, he is committed to helping justice-impacted individuals and people in underserved communities overcome barriers to employment, education, and long-term stability.
Anthony regularly volunteers in prisons and youth detention centers, providing mentorship, encouragement, and spiritual guidance to incarcerated individuals and young people. Drawing upon his lived experience, education, and professional work, Anthony is especially passionate about helping youth make positive decisions and understand that their mistakes do not have to determine their future.