Rickell Howard Smith has spent her career showing up for people who need it most – families in crisis, women seeking safety and communities too often pushed to the margins. Her work plays out in shelters, courtrooms and nonprofit offices, not under bright lights or before cheering crowds.
In December, her behind-the-scenes work briefly stepped into the spotlight on an NFL sideline.
The Cincinnati Bengals honored Howard Smith, president and CEO of YWCA Greater Cincinnati, as their 2025 Inspire Change Changemaker during the team’s Inspire Change game on Dec. 14. The annual designation recognizes community leaders in NFL cities whose work aligns with the league’s Inspire Change initiative and delivers measurable results.
The NFL’s Inspire Change initiative supports equity and opportunity in communities nationwide. It provides grants and resources to nonprofits and community organizations focused on education, economic advancement, police‑community relations and criminal justice reform, while highlighting local leaders through the annual Inspire Change Changemaker Awards.
As part of Howard Smith’s recognition, the NFL Foundation awarded a $10,000 donation to YWCA Greater Cincinnati.
“Thank you National Football League (NFL) and Cincinnati Bengals for selecting me for the 2025 Inspiring Change Changemaker Award!” Howard Smith wrote on LinkedIn. “We are grateful for your unwavering commitment and partnership to advance our mission to eliminate racism and empower women.
“I am honored to be one of 32 community leaders recognized from across the country.”
A Queen City Changemaker
Howard Smith earned the honor for expanding services for women and families, with a focus on domestic violence survivors. Since joining the YWCA of Greater Cincinnati in February 2023, she has made opening a new shelter a top priority. The facility, which debuted in May, nearly doubled the organization’s capacity to serve survivors, from 67 to 120 individuals. Smith also shaped the shelter around a trauma-informed approach. The facility includes a pet kennel to remove a common barrier for survivors and an outdoor play area to support children and families during recovery.
Before taking the helm at the YWCA, Howard Smith served as the first executive director of the Center for Social Justice at the Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio. She previously worked as litigation and policy director at the Children’s Law Center, where she led policy initiatives focused on improving outcomes for children and families.
A Cincinnati native, Howard Smith holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Howard University and a law degree from Temple University School of Law.
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