Ayanna prefers “idea curator” over “serial entrepreneur.” A life-long visionary, Smith found her next "big idea" in the emerging escape room market, launching the first live escape game for children in the country. In both 2018 and 2017, Washington City Paper readers voted the Escape Lounge Best Escape Room in DC before its closing, and in 2015 it was voted Best New Business of the Year in Capitol Hill. Growing popularity for escape games as a tool for collaboration, problem-solving and critical thinking led to Smith’s upcoming launch of Ridlz - a web-based app that can be played by groups anywhere, including schools, offices and home.
A career communications strategist, Smith is also the co-founder of WÖC Media - a newly formed digital content company that promotes women-led tech ventures and product makers. In addition, she is the founder of #AskMe Tees, an apparel brand that has received national media attention for its bold approach to face-to-face engagement.
Smith obtained her Master of Arts degree from Bowie State University in Organizational Communication and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Temple University in English.