WOMEN TO WATCH

Kristi Smith

Senior Director of Alumni and Development
UA Little Rock

I work with alumni and friends of UA Little Rock. I graduated from college with no debt because of the Donaghey Scholars program which provided tuition, stipend and study abroad. That is not the case for many students today. Development is a perfect blend of helping a donor find their passion for the maximum impact on a college student.

PRESSING QUESTIONS

How I knew this was my passion

I always tried to be an advocate in my career. It’s a labor of love to advocate for my alma mater and an honor to help students like me thrive.

What keeps me coming back to my job every day

I come back to work every day because there are so many needs yet to be fulfilled; there’s still a donor yet to be discovered who wants to help.

One practice I use to maintain my mental health

CrossFit. Working out my physical body is essential for maintaining a pleasant state of mind.

Best advice I ever received

“Play with feeling.” It’s what my mom always told me when practicing piano and now I try to do everything “with feeling,” indicating that I give my best.

Nonprofit I wish more people knew about

Aside from UA Little Rock, I wish more people knew about the Ivy Foundation of Little Rock, the charitable arm of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Beta Pi Omega Chapter.

Biggest challenges in my career

Many of us are trying our best to make the most with less. Having to balance my champagne taste on a beer budget will always be an obstacle.

My first job and what it taught me

My first job was as a cashier at Oak Grove Pharmacy, where I learned the importance of customer service, which I’ve tried to embody throughout my life.

Best career moment so far

Taste of Little Rock this year was a highlight of my career and one of the most successful events to date. It was awesome to see the tremendous community support.

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS

Hometown

Marche

I can't start my day until

I read "Our Daily Bread" devotional.

Hobbies

Piano, traveling, working out

Binge watch

"Bridgerton," "The Guilded Age," "The Righteous Gemstones"

Last good read

"The Beautiful Ones" by Prince

Favorite meal in town

Anything from Trio's

Best recent local discovery

Bliss Boutique in SOMA

Latest splurge

Some ridiculously expensive sneakers

Most-used app

Facebook, I'm sure

Dream vacation

Mediterranean cruise

SPONSORS