Rickell Howard Smith
Rickell Howard Smith is a relentless advocate for civil rights, racial justice, and the empowerment of women and children. With a steadfast commitment to equity and justice, Rickell serves as a beacon of hope and change in her community and beyond. As the President and CEO of YWCA Greater Cincinnati, Rickell leads initiatives that dismantle systemic barriers for women and people of color in our region with compassion and determination.
Her journey began as a legal aid attorney, where she fearlessly represented clients in eviction and housing discrimination cases. This laid the foundation for her unwavering dedication to justice. She then transitioned into her role as Director for the Prison Litigation Project at the Ohio Justice and Policy Center. Her crusade for civil rights continued as she filed groundbreaking cases in federal court on behalf of incarcerated individuals in Ohio. As Litigation and Policy Director at the Children's Law Center, she championed the rights of children in Federal court and spearheaded policy initiatives to improve the lives of families involved with child protection and juvenile justice systems.
Before taking on her current role at YWCA Greater Cincinnati, Rickell also served as the first Executive Director for the Center for Social Justice at the Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of social justice advocacy.
Rickell's commitment extends into the heart of her community. As former Chair of the Planned Parenthood of Southwest Ohio Board of Trustees and through her involvement with organizations like the Hamilton County Human Services Chamber, Lighthouse Â鶹¹ú²ú School Board, Women's Fund of Greater Cincinnati Foundation, and Cincinnati Children's Hospital Â鶹¹ú²ú Advisory Board, she continues to shape policies and initiatives that drive meaningful change.
A proud native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Rickell holds a B.B.A from Howard University and a J.D. from Temple University School of Law. She resides in Cincinnati with her husband, two children, and two furry companions.