Betty Smith

She is a dedicated nonprofit leader and community advocate with over 25 years of experience founding and directing social service organizations that empower underserved youth and families. Currently serving as Executive Director of EN-RICH-MENT, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit she co-founded in 2012, she oversees free music education programs for urban youth ages 5–18, including Saturday music lessons and a seven-week summer music camp, along with community initiatives such as the Canton Community Orchestra and annual fundraising events. Prior to this role, she founded Multi-Development Services of Stark County, where she established programs including a homeless shelter, transitional housing, after-school youth programming, a neighborhood revitalization team, a food pantry, a community garden, and a recording studio for youth. She also served as a former board member of the Canton Symphony Orchestra and chaired the Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival Fashion Show Committee. She is the author of Unexpected Blessings in the Midst of my Pain, a memoir that chronicles her personal and professional journey. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration from Northeastern Illinois University and studied Social Work at Mundelein University, with additional business and management coursework at DePaul University and Notre Dame University. She is recognized as a passionate, visionary leader whose life's work has been dedicated to building community, enriching lives, and creating opportunities for those in need.