Joanna Smith

Joanna Smith-Griffin is an accomplished American entrepreneur, educator, and technologist best known for co-creating "Ed," the first AI specifically designed for education, launched in 2024 within Los Angeles’ public school system, the nation’s second-largest. This innovation earned her a 2024 TIME Magazine Top Education Technology Company in the World Award and an INC Magazine 250 Female Founders Award.

Smith-Griffin has a strong background in education, having taught middle school mathematics and served as a Director of Family Engagement in Boston, MA. She has also provided consultation and technical assistance to over 3,000 educators and led workshops for over 6,000 professionals across mid-sized and large districts.

Smith-Griffin's work extends beyond technology; she is an award-winning soprano, having performed nationwide, showcasing her diverse talents. Her contributions to education technology have been featured in leading publications such as eSchool News, The74, and LA Times, and she has spoken on Capitol Hill about AI in education. Her company, AllHere, which focuses on improving student outcomes through attendance intervention solutions, has gained national recognition and has been highlighted by NPR, The New York Times, and The World Bank blog.

Smith-Griffin is a Harvard University graduate, where she studied liberal arts and social sciences, graduating cum laude. Her work in education began with a focus on family engagement and child development along the East Coast, which led to the founding of AllHere. This company is now recognized as a leader in creating and implementing comprehensive solutions for improving student attendance and engagement across the U.S.

In addition to her work with AllHere, Smith-Griffin is a thought leader in responsible and evidence-based AI in education, contributing articles to major publications and speaking at key industry events like SXSWEDU. Her expertise has been sought by media outlets such as EdSurge, CBS News, and District Administration, where she discusses the intersection of AI, proactive engagement, and research-driven strategies to enhance student learning experiences.