Before joining the California Preterm Birth Initiative as Director of Communications, Areca Smit worked for two years as the Associate Director for Electronic Media at UC Hastings Law. Previously, she was Chief of Staff to the Dean of Berkeley Law and a Foreign Service Officer with the U.S. Department of State. Areca has also served as executive director, project manager, and consultant to a variety of nonprofits and small businesses. She has an MBA in sustainable enterprise and a BFA in conceptual art.
Areca lives in Oakland with her spirited six-year-old who was born preterm by almost eight weeks. Following their NICU experience, Areca joined the Alta Bates NICU Family Advisory Council—which she co-chairs. Last spring Areca joined the Alta Bates Birth Equity Collaborative, which is specifically focused on improving the care for Black and POC birthing people and their families.
