Courtney Ebonique Smith, recently dubbed a “modern day history maker” by Essence Magazine is a champion advocate & servant leader, serving  not only by choice, but by nature. Her undeniable tenacity birthed the Detroit Phoenix Center, a high-impact nonprofit organization that operates the first Asset Based Resource Center meeting the critical, holistic & emergent needs of homeless and undeserved youth. She is also the lead strategist at Humble Work & Co., a social impact coaching & consulting firm mobilizing millennials to make a difference in the world. Her outstanding commitment to service has garnered national recognition, including Comcast Newsmakers and the Steve Harvey Show.

Courtney prides herself on being transparent and progressive, two traits that have made her a sought-after speaker on topics related to youth and community development, advocacy, and servant leadership. Her warm, practical engagement style has landed her international speaking engagements and the opportunity to conduct leadership workshops for Fortune 500 Companies and Big Ten Universities.

Courtney has been named to Crain’s Detroit Business “Twenty in Their 20s” list of trailblazers to watch in the region. She is a Michigan Chronicle "40 under 40" honoree, and a double-time recipient of the Spirit of Detroit Award;  along with many other notable achievements. Courtney sits on the Board of Directors for Hero Nation and is a Senior Youth Advisor for the National Network for Youth. She is also a contributing author for Rolling Out Magazine. Courtney graduated from the Honors College at Eastern Michigan University. She is currently pursuing graduate course work at Harvard University. 

Outside of being a dynamic civil servant, Courtney enjoys spending quality time with loved ones, reading and theatre.