We Want to Save Lives.
Through beach safety education, awareness, and water skills training
We work to educate others on rip currents and other beach hazards
The Je’Sani Smith Foundation is a non-profit corporation and shall operate exclusively for charitable purposes within the meaning of Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future Federal tax code. The Je’Sani Smith Foundation's purpose is to save lives by providing education, awareness, and water skills training on beach safety, seaward-flowing water currents, and other coastal hazards.
The Foundation is named after Je'Sani Smith. Je'Sani had just turned 18 years old and was two months shy of graduating high school when he was swept away by a rip current at one of his hometown beaches. Je'Sani was a 6'4", 215 lbs, an athlete, and a strong swimmer. This tragic event is proof that anyone can be caught in a rip current no matter how strong they are.
His parents, founders of the foundation Kiwana and Terry Denson, have made it their personal mission to make sure that no family has to experience a similar loss and they work tirelessly to do this through beach safety and rip current education.
“I believe it is a moral responsibility to lead a purpose for greater humanity and saving the lives of our citizens of this country. That is why I chose to serve on the Board of Directors of the Je’Sani Smith Foundation.”
Meet the Team
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Kiwana Denson
Founder and President
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Terry Denson
Vice President
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Patricia Bell Burnett
Secretary
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Mary Afuso
Treasurer
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Dara Betz
VP of Community and Program Initiatives
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Newman Wong
Volunteer Marketing Support
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Yvette Galvan
Special Events Coordinator
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Sara Carney
Vice President of Public Relations
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Harvey Houltby
Director of Research, Statistics and External Engagements
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Mayrena Lugo
Director of Ambassador and Scholarship Initiatives
Supporters
Without the commitment of the partners and sponsors below, our mission would not be possible. Thank you to all that have been involved so far and continue to support the Je'Sani Smith Foundation.
