We strengthen civic ties and create meaningful and fruitful connections for those who are here. We work with government, businesses, educational institutions, and community partners to ensure a welcoming environment that helps newcomers find success and opportunity in our region.
With hundreds of thousands of attendees each year, we create events and experiences that drive vibrancy in our region. Beyond what we produce, we’re deeply engaged and invested in growing the region’s cultural vibrancy by supporting arts, culture, sports, and entertainment assets and investments.
Through bold leadership, advocacy and partnerships with city, county, state and federal policy makers the Cincinnati Regional Chamber advances a pro-business and pro-development policy initiatives that stimulate and grow our regional economy.
We create member experiences, connections, and programming that meet the unique needs of businesses in our region. We’re a driver of regional collaboration, ensuring that our diverse civic and business communities are aligned, engaged, and have their voices heard.
Home » Rickell Howard Smith
We strengthen civic ties and create meaningful and fruitful connections for those who are here. We work with government, businesses, educational institutions, and community partners to ensure a welcoming environment that helps newcomers find success and opportunity in our region.
Through bold leadership, advocacy and partnerships with city, county, state and federal policy makersthe Cincinnati Regional Chamber advances a pro-business and pro-development policy initiatives that stimulate and grow our regional economy.
With hundreds of thousands of attendees each year, we create events and experiences that drive vibrancy in our region. Beyond what we produce, we’re deeply engaged and invested in growing the region’s cultural vibrancy by supporting arts, culture, sports, and entertainment assets and investments.
We create member experiences, connections, and programming that meet the unique needs of businesses in our region. We’re a driver of regional collaboration, ensuring that our diverse civic and business communities are aligned, engaged, and have their voices heard.
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Rickell Howard Smith is a civil rights attorney and nonprofit leader dedicated to advancing racial justice and the rights of women and children. As President & CEO of YWCA Greater Cincinnati, she spearheads initiatives to advance racial justice, women’s rights, and uplift historically excluded communities. During her legal career, Rickell fearlessly fought housing discrimination and represented incarcerated adults and children in groundbreaking civil rights cases. Rickell went on to lead racial equity efforts in philanthropy at Greater Cincinnati Foundation and served as the inaugural executive director of the Urban League’s Holloman Center for Social Justice.
Her community leadership includes serving on the boards of the Hamilton County Human Services Chamber, Planned Parenthood of Southwest Ohio, Lighthouse Community School and the Women’s Fund of Greater Cincinnati Foundation. A proud native of Cincinnati, Rickell holds a B.B.A in International Business from Howard University and Juris Doctorate from Temple University School of Law. Rickell resides in Cincinnati with her husband and children.
In 30 seconds or less, tell us who YOU are. This is not your professional bio, but rather, your response should reflect how you are uniquely you.
I have many identities – wife, mother, daughter, sister, lawyer, music-lover, friend, mentor, mentee, community leader, and advocate for racial and gender justice in our community.
What is something that most people do not know about you?
My first true leadership role was as field commander in the Walnut Hills High School marching band. I absolutely loved marching band. I played tenor saxophone for several years, then took the leap to lead the entire band on the field.
What are your personal core values?
Integrity, Compassion, Courage and Perseverance are my personal core values.
What is the primary motivation of your leadership?
I’ve always been driven to seek justice, fairness and equity in any given situation, and empower others to advocate for themselves.
What has been the cornerstone of your life journey that influenced your personal mission and purpose?
Attending Howard University is without a doubt the cornerstone of my life journey. My passion and purpose for servant leadership was nurtured and fed during my time at Howard. My classmates motivated me to achieve greatness then and now. Howard University instills a level of confidence and grit in its students that remain for a lifetime.
Who has had an immense impact on you as a leader? How did this person (or people) impact your life?
My mother Karen Jones Howard. I am because she was. I grew up witnessing her leadership in every facet of her life – work, family, church and community. She treated everyone with compassion, gave grace freely, and served others – asking nothing in return.
What piece of advice have you received along the way in your career or life journey that has stuck with you?
I have several journals that I’ve dubbed “wisdom journals” where I’ve recorded impactful advice received throughout the years. Here are a few:
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17. It reminds me to ensure that I’m surrounded by those who inspire me and to inspire others.
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” African Proverb. This is my constant reminder that challenging issues can only be solved through collective power and movement.
“You are enough.”
What one thing makes you most proud?
My children. My most important role in life is raising two exceptional humans. My proudest moment professionally was delivering a keynote speech at the 49th Annual MLK Program.
What’s one thing you do every day (or with consistency) to be a better person?
Spend time alone to recharge and reflect. I’ve learned that proper rest is required for me to be my best self.
What are a few resources or behaviors you would recommend to someone looking to grow into a better leader?
1) Build a personal and professional board of advisors that include people that you trust AND people with opposing views.
2) Be resourceful and lean on your village and community.
3) Admit when you’re wrong and never be afraid to change your mind or perspective.
4) Push past your discomfort and fear of failure to do what’s right.
5) Be confident in your strengths and gifts – you know what you bring to the table.
How do you define success?
Leaving a positive impact on people and my community. My goal is to leave people, places, organizations and systems better than I found them – to empower and liberate them from barriers.
Why do you choose to make the Cincinnati region home?
I LOVE Cincinnati and I’m proud to play a small role in making it a better place. I love that Cincinnati has become more diverse and progressed politically and socially during my lifetime.
In what ways are you involved in the Cincinnati community outside of your professional endeavors?
I’ve been fortunate to serve on various civic, nonprofit and advisory boards including the Hamilton County Human Services Chamber, Planned Parenthood of Southwest Ohio, Lighthouse Community School, City Manager’s Advisory Board and the Women’s Fund of Greater Cincinnati Foundation. I also enjoy supporting the arts – especially young artists and performers.
What do you imagine for the future of the Cincinnati region?
I imagine a place where families, especially children can thrive without barriers and take advantage of all the opportunities that Cincinnati has to offer.
What legacy do you hope to leave behind?
Advancing civil rights and equity is legacy work – I stand on the shoulders of my ancestors and it’s my responsibility to build a strong foundation for the next generation of leaders to continue the movement.
Help us elevate, empower, and support our region’s Black leaders today, tomorrow, and all year long by nominating someone for #MakingBlackHistory.
The Cincinnati Regional Chamber is the premier business and civic organization dedicated to growing the vibrancy and economic prosperity of the Cincinnati region. To achieve its vision that Cincinnati is a growing, thriving region where everyone belongs, the Chamber seeks to grow our economy, grow our population, and grow our cultural vibrancy -- with the foundation of a strong business community -- to foster a welcoming environment for all.
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