Mike Smith

Mike Smith is a social entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and youth advocate known for his work in youth empowerment and community development. As co-founder of the nonprofit Rabble Mill, Smith focuses on addressing generational poverty by helping young people discover their passions and build life and professional skills through skateboarding, music, and art. Rabble Mill operates statewide in Nebraska, aiming to provide youth with belonging, purpose, and upward mobility to foster growth and community reinvestment. Rabble Mill unified its brand identity as The Bay, reflecting a commitment to clarity, inclusivity, and impact.

Smith leads several programs centered on youth engagement and workforce education. The Bay, one of the few nonprofit skateparks in the country, serves as a 30,000-square-foot youth outreach center with locations in Lincoln and Omaha. The Bay offers opportunities in skateboarding, art, music, coffee, and community, serving individuals ages 5 to 24. Smith also co-founded Bay High, a high school for juniors and seniors that provides a standard curriculum alongside specialized classes in technology, photography, video, audio, and podcasting.

Smith’s initiatives extend beyond Nebraska. Under Rabble Mill, Skate for Change is a global youth movement empowering skateboarders to support the homeless, with chapters in more than 80 major cities. Skate for Change has distributed over 50,000 pairs of socks and registered more than 3,000 participants. Smith is also co-founder of Find Your Grind, a career education platform that connects students to modern jobs and lifestyles, aiming to expose and educate students and teachers about diverse career possibilities.

Smith’s work has been recognized by organizations such as YPO, Special Olympics, Red Bull, State Farm, TD Ameritrade, and Jostens. His video series, "The Harbor" by Jostens, delivers content to over 10 million students and educators worldwide each week. Professional skateboarder Ryan Sheckler has also supported Smith’s efforts through the Sheckler Foundation. Smith has delivered a TEDx talk, "Brilliance, It's In Their DNA," at TEDxYouth@Lincoln, sharing insights on youth empowerment.

Smith co-wrote the book "Legacy vs. Likes" with Andrew Norman, which explores purposeful living and service to others. With a Stanford certification in Design Your Life and experience as a StoryBrand guide, Smith helps others find their path and communicate their stories. He speaks globally on social entrepreneurship, youth advocacy, and personal development, drawing from his experience building community-focused organizations.