Kristina Newton

Founder, HYPE

Atlanta

Kristina Smith-Newton is a Computer Engineer and Social Impact Entrepreneur. Originating from Lake Charles, LA and receiving her B.S in Computer Engineering from Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, TX, Kristina is a lover of southern culture and HBCU pride. She moved to Atlanta in 2006 and worked as a technology consultant for 7 years where she developed business intelligence & analytical software solutions for several companies and industries worldwide. In 2014, Kristina began exploring ways to connect passion, purpose, and skill through working for various non-profit and social impact organizations – including Adventures In Missions, Girls Who Code, and the Technology Association of Georgia Education Collaborative.

In 2017, Kristina stepped into the world of entrepreneurship and founded Hope for Youth, Inc – more fondly referred to as HYPE. HYPE is a nonprofit organization that provides 21st century skills and tech training to girls of color. With a signature International Experience program, HYPE Scholars grow in civic mindedness and global awareness while preparing for careers of the future.

Kristina is passionate about empowering young girls of color to live lives full of hope, driven by love, and void of fear through computer science education and leadership development. Today, she continues to serve as Founder, President, & Executive Director of HYPE. In her spare time, Kristina loves listening to music, adventuring, traveling, and – most importantly – eating! She currently enjoys doing all of these things with Brandon Newton, her husband of 6 months.