Beacon of Hope Lighting the Way in Hawaii and Beyond

Meet Daily Point of Light Award honoree Cheyann Smith. Read her story, and nominate an outstanding volunteer or family as a Daily Point of Light. 

Cheyann Smith’s life is a testament to service – to her family, her country and her community. A proud mother of three and an active-duty United States Air Force member stationed at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Cheyann has spent 11 years safeguarding lives. Her volunteerism extends beyond her military service, including serving as a combat volunteer firefighter and founding Beacon – Be the One to Light the Way, a nonprofit organization addressing food and housing insecurities. 

Beacon has indeed become a beacon of hope for many, thanks in large part to Cheyann’s leadership. Just weeks ago, she spearheaded an event that delivered $4,500 worth of essential items to 250 residents of Pu’uhonua o Wai’anae, Hawaii’s largest houseless encampment. This effort followed her remarkable two-month donation drive for Lahaina residents affected by the Maui Wildfires – an initiative she led while eight months pregnant. Under Cheyann’s guidance, Beacon has positively impacted thousands of lives, proving the power of compassion and action. 

Beyond her nonprofit work, Cheyann uplifts young women through the Cheyann Smith Prom Grant. This annual $1,000 grant ensures an underserved high school senior at her alma mater can fully experience prom, covering costs for everything from dresses to tickets. With a master’s degree in psychology and ongoing doctoral studies, Cheyann’s dedication to supporting others is deeply informed by her academic pursuits and personal experiences.

Recently crowned Mrs. Hawaii America, Cheyann has embraced her platform to further her commitment to community service. From leading impactful donation drives to creating opportunities for young women, she dedicates approximately 90 hours a month to those in need. Read on to see how Cheyann Smith exemplifies the power of resilience, generosity and leadership, lighting the way for countless individuals across Hawaii and beyond.

Tell us about your volunteer role. 

While I am an active-duty member serving in the United States Air Force, I am also the founder and executive director of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization called Beacon – Be the One to Light the Way. At Beacon, our mission is to provide necessities to individuals with housing or food insecurities.

Why is this issue so important to you? 

As a child, my brothers and I struggled with housing and food insecurities. One night, when I was about 16 years old, I remember laying on a couch my parents had pulled out of the dumpster. I had no bedroom or bed, so this was where I slept. It was the middle of winter, and I was freezing. I looked at the moon through a crack in the window and said a prayer. I asked God to get me out of that environment. I promised that if he did, I would never forget. He got me out, and now I’m just holding up my end of the bargain.  

What inspired you to get started with this initiative?  

My upbringing inspired our mission, but the company name and logo are a different story. Both came to fruition because my brothers were still unhoused and trying to break the cycle when I created the organization. To pay homage to them and the hardships they were facing living out of their vehicle while going to college, I named the company Beacon – Be the One to Light the Way. The name and logo are derived from a song I dedicated to them called “Brother” by the band NEEDTOBREATHE. In the song, it says: “Everybody needs someone beside them shining like a lighthouse from the sea/Brother let me be your shelter/Never leave you all alone/I can be the one you call/When you’re low/Brother let me be your fortress/When the night winds are driving on/Be the one to light the way/Bring you home.” 

From struggling to break the cycle to shattering the glass ceiling and being well on their way to becoming the family’s first medical doctors, I couldn’t be prouder of how far they have come. Today, they are heavily involved with Beacon’s initiatives and are two of our biggest supporters. 

What are your long-term plans or goals for the organization? 

I know Beacon will one day be my legacy. But for now, while I’m still serving my country, I just work on it on my own time, a little bit every single day. One day it will be big. I don’t know how big, but I do know it will help thousands, if not millions, of people throughout our nation.  

What’s been the most rewarding part of your work?  

The most rewarding part of my work is the relationships I build with those in need. It’s more than just providing necessities; it’s improving lives, breaking generational circumstances and changing lineages.   

What have you learned through your experiences as a volunteer?  

I’ve learned to be the change you want to see in the world.  

Why is it important for others to get involved with causes they care about?  

I think people should get involved with causes they care about because when it’s an endeavor that hits close to home, it allows for real change to occur.  

Any advice for people who want to start volunteering?  

Find what you’re passionate about and start building from there. 

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Cheyann? Find local volunteer opportunities.