Smiley Abrams

Smiley (Jason) Abrams is an inspirational speaker, poet, and leader deeply rooted in his faith and passion for creative expression. Born, raised, and called to Mississippi, Smiley shares that God changed his name to reflect the joy he experiences through his relationship with God, despite the brokenness of the world. His name embodies the hope and positivity he strives to bring to others in his personal and professional life.

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Smiley holds a Bachelor’s degree in Speech Communication with minors in Art and French, as well as a Master’s degree in Theological Studies. With over 15 years of full-time ministry experience, he currently serves as an Area Ministry Director for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. In this role, he supervises college ministries across Mississippi, Memphis, and West Florida, with a particular focus on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). His work emphasizes mentorship, spiritual growth, and leadership development for the next generation of changemakers.

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As the Executive Director and co-founder of the Andy Abrams Foundation, a nonprofit established in honor of his late father, Smiley is committed to fostering holistic leadership development, creative expression, and community engagement. The foundation’s initiatives include the Leadership Development Cohort, which equips participants with essential life skills and spiritual maturity to create meaningful change in their communities.

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Smiley is also an accomplished author, having published three poetry books: Curing the Midas Touch (2020), Curing Whitewashed Black Man (2021), and 1037: Sermons in Verse (2023). His works explore themes of justice, identity, and faith, offering readers both inspiration and introspection. Additionally, he wrote Whitewashed Tombs: Restoring Justice, Mercy, & Faithfulness (2022), a Bible study guide that challenges readers to live out their faith with integrity and compassion.

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Beyond writing and ministry, Smiley is a professional voice actor for Propjosh Productions and co-hosts the movie review podcast What We Talkin' Bout This Time?!. His love for storytelling extends to his hobbies, which include volunteering at comic conventions, bike riding, jump roping, and exploring immersive virtual reality experiences. A fan of both Star Wars and Star Trek, Smiley finds joy in connecting with others who share his passion for creative worlds.

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Smiley is available for public speaking engagements, Q&A sessions, spoken word performances, podcast interviews, and teaching events. His dynamic presence, authentic storytelling, and unwavering faith make him a powerful communicator and an inspiring leader.