Alumni Spotlight, Jordan Smallwood (’09) | Issue 2023

As a child growing up in South San Jose, Jordan Smallwood was fascinated by music and sports.
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“I started Kindergarten in 1996 at Valley Christian Elementary. Even back then, I dreamed of being a musician,” said Smallwood, a production manager at Apple. “I always loved performing. As time went on at Valley, I realized how much I loved the Conservatory. The discipline I learned in music has always stayed with me.”

Smallwood arrived at VCS thinking he would focus on music, but he pivoted in the seventh grade and became an athlete at Valley Christian Junior High. “Looking back, it was fitting that I pursued both music and athletics,” he said. “These programs allowed me to understand people and personalities and how things interact...and that’s a very strong component, certainly, in making it in the business world.”

Smallwood graduated as a lifer in 2009. He then went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in 2013 from Howard University in Marketing. Jordan then earned his MBA in 2020 from the University of Southern California.

“I can trace many of the foundational skills and confidence that have allowed me to perform at a high level in Silicon Valley directly to my time as a Warrior. I believe community support continues to be critical to Valley Christian’s future. Donations to Youth With Promise tuition assistance fund allow for a more economically diverse student body. The amount of programming offered by Valley Christian, due in part because of community support, allows students to graduate with a well-rounded understanding of how they can positively affect the world around them.”

Jordan Smallwood is married to Breane, and he’s currently thriving at Apple. Jordan still volunteers his time at Valley Christian School events so he can continue making an impact with future Warrior Alumni.

Jordan Smallwood. Once a Warrior, always a Warrior.

 

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