Dayona Smith is an Extension SNAP-Ed Community Worker through the Illinois Nutrition Education Programs (INEP) for Carroll, Lee, and Whiteside counties. SNAP-Ed evidence-based programs focus on nutrition education and obesity prevention by promoting behavior change. Dayona finds purpose in working with qualified families to provide essential nutrition, food safety, physical activity, and food budgeting education for underserved individuals. SNAP-Ed programming offers educational services, information, and skills that empower families to make positive changes for their health.

Dayona has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business, is a certified Personal Trainer, a certified 200-hour Yoga Instructor, has over 20 years of experience coaching children’s sports, and is certified in primary nutrition education through the University of Illinois Extension and Utah State University Extension. Before joining the University of Illinois Extension office, Dayona was an entrepreneur managing several business locations.

Outside of wellness and nutrition, Dayona is a passionate gardener and philanthropist. She created Dayona Farm Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit, to promote and help establish pollinator gardens throughout the Midwest and West Coast. She has extensive experience working with numerous boards in the community, fundraising for nonprofit organizations, and developing and implementing educational and fitness programs for children through older adults.