July 2025
Hello Mindbridge!
My name is Asia Eaton, and it’s a pleasure and a privilege to introduce myself as interim Executive Director for 2025-2026. I’m a social psychologist, Professor of Psychology at Florida International University, and Head of Research for Cyber Civil Rights Initiative. My scholarship explores how gender intersects with identities such as race, sexual orientation, and class to affect individuals' access to and experience with power, including topics like gendered racism in STEM and intimate partner violence. I’m also a single mom of two, a compulsive baker, and a lover of all things related to RuPaul's Drag Race (any Trixie and Katya fans here?).
In all seriousness, I’m filled with excitement, gratitude, and a profound sense of responsibility as I step into the interim Executive Director role at Mindbridge. For years, I’ve been inspired by Mindbridge’s application of psychology and neuroscience in service of human rights defenders, and I honestly feel that every step of my career—every partnership, every project, every moment spent bridging research and service—has led me here. This isn’t just a one-year role for me; it’s the beginning of a lasting commitment to the mission and members of Mindbridge.
During my time as Executive Director our collective energy and effort will be focused on three primary goals. The first area of focus will be on initiatives that grow public Awareness of Mindbridge, which forms the foundation for our ability to connect communities, influence and conduct research and practice, and support those working on the frontlines of social justice. Our next priority will be working with foundations, grant agencies, and intermediaries to increase Investment in our efforts. Finally, we will enhance the scope and depth of our research Methods, increasing our capacity and contributions to science. In our pursuit of these three AIMs, I invite you to personally reach out to me to contribute your experiences and ideas. Our collective wisdom is one of our greatest strengths.
Thank you all for the warm welcome, and for the mentorship, insights, and care you’ve already poured into my onboarding— including and especially Laura. I’m honored to be joining a community that leads with the heart, and I will work each day to embody and uplift the values you’ve cultivated, and ensure the long-term sustainability and growth of Mindbridge.
Warmly,
Asia
Mindbridge Executive Director
I Am A Human Rights Defender
Janiece Smith
Human rights defenders seek the promotion and protection of civil and political rights
as well as the promotion, protection and realization of economic, social + cultural rights.
- OHCHR
Born and raised in South Florida, Janiece Smith is a builder, a mirror, and a believer—someone who shows up in every room with a heart to serve, a mind to strategize, and a calling to help others remember who they are.
She is an Industrial-Organizational Psychologist, educator, and the CEO and Lead Consultant of The Answer Group Consulting—a strategy and culture firm that helps purpose-driven people and organizations move from idea to execution.
With a deep commitment to human-centered leadership, Janiece partners with nonprofits such as AIRIE, SPHINX LEAD, and Art Prevails Project to design equity-rooted programming, build sustainable infrastructure, and amplify impact in communities historically excluded from traditional systems of power.
She also serves as Board Chair for New Canon Chamber Collective and Board Secretary for Blacks in I/O Psychology—roles that reflect her commitment to cultivating spaces where Black excellence, creativity, and scholarship are seen, valued, and sustained.
“As an I/O Psychologist, I believe human rights work starts at the level of dignity—creating environments where people are seen, valued, and empowered to lead. Whether I’m guiding an organization toward deeper alignment or helping someone rediscover their professional purpose, I’m reminded that justice is both personal and systemic. My work is rooted in love, strategy, and the belief that everyone carries the potential to be an answer. ”
As a strategist and coach, Janiece works with individuals from all walks of life—guiding them through moments of transition, helping them reconnect with their voice, and supporting their professional growth with strategy, soul, and care. She has a special passion for working with those who are often overlooked, underserved, or underestimated, and she views each coaching relationship as a sacred opportunity to affirm the brilliance that has always been there.
Janiece is also a proud adjunct professor at Florida International University, where she teaches a range of psychology courses rooted in leadership, identity, and professional development. Her favorite among them is Women & Leadership, where she invites students into courageous dialogue about power, purpose, and legacy.
Before transitioning to full-time consulting, Janiece spent years in the for-profit sector designing people-first programs that enhanced culture, cultivated talent, and drove results. Her approach blends academic rigor, spiritual grounding, and a deep love for people, making her a trusted partner to those ready to lead with intention.
April Program Recap
As we see warmer days here in Maine, and have transitioned to what feels like full summer, we are entering a transition within the Institute as well. We began this summer collaborating with organizations working towards gender and reproductive equity, sharing knowledge about neuroscience and psychology in messaging strategy and absorbing knowledge about human rights and equity within this space. As we look towards the second half of summer, we are excited to continue to develop new programming for organizational partners and our fall public courses, ensuring the science is rigorous and relevant with the help of our new content expert.
As we enter late summer, project development and completion at the RED is also heating up! Our team is developing more of its internal collaborations. The RED and the incredible educators in the Mindbridge Institute are creating programming for other non-governmental organizations in a training series that will last the next six months. Moreover, the RED has a brand-new affiliation with the Polarization and Violence Transformed (PiVOT) Peace Lab at George Mason University. The RED and the PiVOT Peace Lab will be collaborating on novel research in understanding feelings of value amongst Gen-Z aged young men. This exciting collaboration will not only inform findings from our previous research, but support the development of a new research project in the Countering Extremism Directive (CED)!
As HRTI brings in July, we have plenty of new programming in the works for our BIPOC communities here in Maine who are looking to learn more about healing racial trauma. As we’ve closed applications for our new role, Circle Facilitator, we urge you to keep an eye out for our events. We are also still looking for additional members to join our Advisory Committee, so please reach out to us to learn more about this opportunity!
“Moral debates often feel so charged—we’re not debating logic, we’re reacting to perceived dangers. If you want to bridge divides, ask yourself—what harm do they see?”
Happenings & Events
Upcoming Days of Observance:
Thirty-five years ago, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law. Each July, Disability Pride Month aims to recognize, uplift, and champion the experiences of the over 70 million people with disabilities living in the United States.
7/12: Malala Day
On July 12th, Malala Day honors the courage of girls around the world who dare to learn, speak out, and lead often in the face of violence and repression. Education is not a privilege, it's a human right. And it's one that can be immensely powerful!
7/18: Nelson Mandela International Day
Nelson Mandela Day is celebrated on July 18th, reminding us that justice, dignity, and reconciliation require action - including and especially in the face of ongoing inequality and injustice.
7/30: International Day of Friendship
Even in the face of immense violence and conflict worldwide, the International Day of Friendship reminds of the importance of building lasting connections every July 30th. The United Nations recognizes the immense power of friendship to inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities, and we at Mindbridge know the importance of belonging and trust for psychological wellbeing.
7/30: World Day against Trafficking in Persons
Human trafficking is not only a violation of fundamental human rights - every statistic reflects a person stripped of their freedom and dignity. This is why the World Day against Trafficking in Persons recognizes the importance of not just stopping these crimes of human exploitation, but also focuses on restoring hope, rebuilding the lives of survivors, and affirming that every human being has the right to freedom, safety, and autonomy.
