So diverse is the diligence that she displays to her duties that reading aloud the full list of titles that Kim Smith holds and entities that she helps would leave someone out of breath. No matter the endeavor, she always centers her involvement on improving the lives of local youths.
“At the end of the day, it’s all for them,” the 48-year-old said of contributing to such organizations and causes as Neighbors Invested in Childs Elementary; Redemption, Forgiveness, and Peace; Unity in the Community; Indego, Diversified Community Services; Bethanna; and the South Philadelphia Junior Stakeholders, the last being her dearest pursuit. “Children need to be empowered and know what their rights are.”
The Point Breeze resident credits her childhood with molding her advocacy potency, as she saw her status as a member of a two-parent household as something that not many contemporaries shared. Eager to share “the benefits and blessings” resulting from a loving environment, she has found ample opportunities to make her native turf a breeding ground for greatness.
“I work with some of the most fabulous people,” Smith said, reverently mentioning former South Philly Review Difference Makers Ella Best and Anton Moore and other pioneers for preaching positivity. “I love our collaborations and look forward to thinking of more ways for us to help our kids.”
Employed with the Philadelphia Community Youth Court, Smith engages in early childhood education, feeling that such a potentially vulnerable period in life needs to find her being constantly considerate of struggles and perpetually encouraging of hopes. Even when stretched thin due to her various relationships with community programs, Smith never tires of remaining open to new means to connect, with that willingness as what she feels helps to define a leader.
“I’m awed by it, humbled by it, too, and yet at the same time, I embrace it,” she said of having a respected voice. “I believe in the beauty of networking, especially here in South Philly.”
As for adding “Difference Maker” to her staggering rundown of accomplishments, Smith, perhaps predictably so, noted she does nothing for the possible endowment of praise.
“I just want children to succeed,” she said. “That warms my heart.” -J.M.
