Areca Smit

Before joining the California Preterm Birth Initiative as Director of Communications, Areca 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. Following her experience with preterm birth, Areca joined the Alta Bates NICU Family Advisory Council — which she co-chairs. Areca is also part of the Alta Bates Birth Equity Collaborative, which is specifically focused on improving the care for Black and POC birthing people and their families.