Join us on Thursday, May 15, 2025, for a LUNCH (12:00-1:30pm) meeting at The View (1071 Celestial St, 45202), for a program with Rickell Howard Smith, President & CEO, YWCA Greater Cincinnati.
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 & CEO of YWCA Greater Cincinnati, Rickell leads with compassion and determination, driving forward initiatives that dismantle systemic barriers for women and people of color in our region.
Her journey began as a Legal Aid attorney, fearlessly representing clients in eviction and housing discrimination cases, laying the foundation for her unwavering dedication to justice.
Transitioning into roles such as Director of the Prison Litigation project at the Ohio Justice and Policy Center, Rickell continued her crusade for civil rights, filing groundbreaking cases in Federal court on behalf of incarcerated individuals in Ohio. Her tenure as Litigation and Policy Director at the Children’s Law Center saw her championing the rights of children in Federal court, and spearheading policy initiatives to improve the lives of families involved with child protection and juvenile justice systems.
Before her tenure at YWCA Greater Cincinnati, Rickell 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 Community School Board, Women’s Fund of Greater Cincinnati Foundation, and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Community 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.
RSVPs are required to attend, whether you are eating lunch or not, so if you would like to attend, please click HERE by 5:00 p.m., Friday, May 9, 2025, or contact [email protected]. If you are not a current member of the Rotary Club of Cincinnati, please note lunches are $30, and payment will be collected at the door via cash, check, or credit card. Please reach out to [email protected] with any questions.
Meal Choices –
Regular Entrée: Gnocchi w/Pesto Cream, Chicken, Mushrooms, Artichokes & Spinach.
Salad Entrée: Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad w/Egg, Tomato, Bacon, Gorgonzola, & Vinaigrette.
Vegetarian Entrée: Butternut Squash Cannelloni w/Spinach Cream Sauce & Carrots.
