Her Story
About Brigitte
Brigitte M. Smith is a dedicated Home Care Provider with BF Home Care DBA Home Instead and an accomplished Assistant Pastor at Table Life Ministries, bringing extensive experience in caregiving, ministry, public service, and community leadership. Since 2015, she has provided compassionate and dependable care, building meaningful relationships with clients and their families while supporting their dignity, comfort, and overall well being. Her commitment to excellence has been recognized with Caregiver of the Year honors in 2021 and 2025, as well as Caregiver of the Quarter recognition.
As an Assistant Pastor, Brigitte is deeply committed to faith based leadership and community outreach. She supports Bible studies, children's ministry, food pantry initiatives, homeless shelter outreach, and ministry visits to the Juvenile Detention Center. Through these efforts, she works to provide encouragement, spiritual guidance, and practical support to individuals and families. Her approach to ministry is grounded in compassion, service, integrity, and a genuine desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
Brigitte's professional foundation also includes a distinguished career with the Illinois Department of Corrections, where she progressed from a secretarial position into senior leadership and ultimately served as an Assistant Deputy Director. Her diverse experience has strengthened her abilities in leadership, communication, administration, relationship building, and service. She holds an Honorary Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) in Ministry Leadership, a Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.) in Theology/Theological Studies, and a bachelor's degree in Speech Communication from Illinois State University. A longtime member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Brigitte continues to be guided by faith, integrity, compassion, and a lifelong commitment to serving her community.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Brigitte
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my faith, which has been foundational in my life since childhood. I believe many of the professional opportunities I have received have been gifts from God, and I am grateful for the guidance and strength they have provided throughout my journey. I also credit the strong values instilled in me by my parents and the unwavering support of my late husband, with whom I shared 32 years of marriage. My faith and the lessons I have learned from my family have given me the resilience, perspective, and determination to navigate both professional transitions and personal loss while continuing to move forward with purpose and gratitude.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to treat your staff the way you want to be treated, following the Golden Rule. I believe effective leadership starts with understanding the work firsthand, so I make an effort to learn every role and understand the responsibilities and challenges my employees face. I also value cross-training because it strengthens the team, builds confidence, and ensures continuity. Most importantly, I believe supervisors should never be afraid to roll up their sleeves and work alongside their teams. Leading by example, showing respect, and supporting employees creates a stronger, more collaborative, and successful workplace.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to develop thick skin, remain confident in your abilities, and never be afraid to embrace your calling. If God has called you to a particular path, have the courage to walk in it with faith and conviction. Continue to study, learn, meditate, and pray, while keeping God at the center of your journey. Most importantly, be prepared, stay equipped, and strive for excellence in every position you hold. Approach each opportunity with professionalism, integrity, humility, and a commitment to giving your very best.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is effective time management and recognizing that I cannot do everything. Learning to prioritize responsibilities and confidently say no, even to enjoyable opportunities, has been essential to maintaining balance and focusing on what matters most. At the same time, I see tremendous value in continuing to serve others and remain engaged in my community. I am committed to staying involved in community service and church outreach while being intentional about how I manage my time, energy, and responsibilities.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me, both professionally and personally, are faith, honesty, and hard work. My faith provides the foundation for how I live and make decisions, while honesty guides me to act with integrity, transparency, and respect toward others. I also believe strongly in the value of hard work and taking pride in everything I do. These principles have shaped my character, strengthened my relationships, and guided me throughout my career and personal life.
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