Uncrowned Community Builders

A native of Buffalo, April Smith Coley has called North Carolina home for many years. Leaving Buffalo in the late 70's because of the passing of her mother, the late Cottie B. Williams, she moved to North Carolina under the watchful eye of her grandmother Marrien M. Williams.

April is a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University where she received a B.S. in Business Administration-Marketing. She also studied at University of Maryland, and Winthrop College at Rock Hill, South Carolina.

She has served Allstate Insurance Company well in several management and leadership roles. The company has honored her with the esteemed Gold Medal Service Award, as well as several regional, and community service awards.

April has written several articles for the Charlotte Post. She was recognized by the Mecklenburg County Women's Commission for participating in the Women History Month Poetry Program. In 1999 April self published Strivers Row, a novel, which takes place initially in Buffalo, New York. April's poem Spiritual Nature was published by the National Library of Poetry in 1997.April is completing a non-fiction novel, and marketing two picture books for children.

Currently living in Raleigh, North Carolina, April is the Treasurer for the Montessori School of Raleigh, MPSA. She founded Circle of Friends America Incorporated in February of 2002.Her commitment to her family and children are the driving force of her efforts. She serves as the marketing consultant on the Board of Directors for Amerikids Incorporated.

April's husband is Duane O'neil Coley. Duane also is an alumnus of North Carolina A&T State University, and has studied at the University of Maryland. They are the proud parents of Kinnidy Denise Coley and Zackary O'neil Coley. Kinnidy and Zackary attend the Montessori School of Raleigh.