Vonda Smith

Project Manager, Deployed with Team AshBritt for Hurricane Ian

Sanibel, Florida, USA

1. HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN THE INDUSTRY?

I was introduced to the emergency management field when my family and hometown were affected by the devastating Historic Flood of Eastern, KY (July 28th, 2022). I moved home from Lexington, KY to help my family, my mother had damage to her property and my father lost his business and life’s work due to the flood. In order to help my family and hometown, I pursued work with a monitor consulting firm as an Emergency Response Monitor and quickly became an Emergency Response Field Supervisor. In the supervisor role, I was in the position to meet different companies and levels of Emergency Response teams. Ashbritt quickly gained my respect with all the community actions they were involved in in my hometown. I knew I had found a calling I was passionate about when I saw the values, respect, and community activities Ashbritt Project managers were involved in.

2. WHAT PROJECT OR ACHIEVEMENT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

Two achievements stand out to me. One, I am most proud of helping my hometown of Eastern KY recover from the devastation caused by the flood. I worked with Dan Cummins Automotive Dealership to coordinate a drop off location for supplies and then hauled the supplies 3 hours from Georgetown, KY to Fisty, KY. Thanks to Dan Cummins, we were able to feed over 800 people a hot meal, two days after the flood, and provide them with many essential necessities. With donated funds, we purchased backpacks full of supplies for over 500 students. I also reached out to Ariat, a well-known apparel company, in hopes of a donation of rubber work boots to help protects locals while sorting through the devastation. To my surprise, they donated over $25,000 worth of clothes and boots for our community. I’m truly thankful God placed me in a position to help my hometown. Number two, is being involved in the booster clubs through-out my son’s school years. Having the trust of the parents, coaches and school staff to be a positive role model to help develop the students and team into upstanding young adults. To this day most of the parents and young men stay in touch and text me on Mother’s day, holidays and my birthday. The most humbling experience I have had as an adult was the senior class the year after my son graduated invited me back for the homecoming football game, and to my surprise the team donated money to my father to help him recover from the devastating flood of Eastern, KY. I hope these young men, coaches, teachers and parents realize what an impact they have made on my life.

3. WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE A ROADBLOCK FOR WOMEN IN THE INDUSTRY?

I think the biggest roadblock for women in the industry is the seven-day workweek and being apart from family for long periods of time. I know as a single mother, I would not want to miss a sporting event or a moment with my son. However, now that my son is a young man pursing his dreams, I have found my calling in a field I am extremely passionate about. Another roadblock is earning the respect of employees in a male dominated industry; especially with some of the older military generation men that don’t appreciate an outspoken woman in a “man’s world”. Thankfully I’ve only had positive experiences as an Emergency Response Project Manager.

4. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO WOMEN GETTING THEIR START IN THE FIELD?

I would first recommend do NOT be afraid to make the leap to help people. The feeling of knowing you helped make a difference is very rewarding. Before the leap; I recommend to thoroughly research and understand the demands that are expected of women in the industry – talk to women who are currently in this field. Second, I would recommend they have a good support system at home – if married, make sure the decision to pursue and work in this field primarily full of men is a mutually agreed upon decision by both the husband and wife. This will help alleviate any resentment for time away from the home and family. Finally, I would recommend they plan in advance and keep lines of communication open and healthy.

5. WHAT SUGGESTIONS DO YOU HAVE FOR BUILDING A POSITIVE TEAM CULTURE?

Ashbritt builds a very positive team culture and that’s what inspired me to become part of their team. We have weekly social gatherings to promote team bonding and camaraderie. I would also suggest leaders meet on a weekly basis to touch base and set the tone and expectations for the week. I would encourage open dialogue so ideas may be shared and obstacles identified and addressed in advance. I would also look for opportunities for the team to give back and serve the communities they are working in. This also helps develop pride in the company they work for. I would suggestion a company mimic Ashbritt in the respects of giving you guidelines and trusting your creativity to work within the scope of these guidelines. This creates a positive team culture because we develop and plan together.

6. WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ADVANCING DIVERSITY IN THE INDUSTRY?

Diversity and Inclusion should be a priority for any company. Leveraging the strengths and talents of employees from different backgrounds, race, ethnicity, gender, etc. helps a company meet the needs of its diverse client base. Diversity helps create trust and belief in the community. The fact that we are helping a diverse community of age, gender, race, or wealth affected by these natural disasters therefore we need diverse employees to connect with those affected. Disasters are the great equalizer be it in the poverty stricken coalmine counties of Eastern, KY or the millionaire homes of Southwest Florida. A helping hand is a helping hand of love no matter the color or gender. Disaster victims appreciate empathy and not sympathy. Ashbritt is well versed in diversity; from project managers from different countries, different ethnicities, and different cultures. I love my diverse team! I am truly blessed my diverse team accepted the country lady from Eastern, KY with open arms!

7. AS COMPANIES IN THE INDUSTRY INCREASE THEIR EFFORT TO RECRUIT MORE WOMEN, WHAT ARE SOME WAYS COMPANIES CAN SUPPORT RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION EFFORTS?

To increase the effort of recruiting women, company publications and marketing strategies should include women in the different roles they serve. Companies should include women during recruiting activities and job fairs. They should partner with colleges and universities to promote awareness of the opportunities offered in this industry. Retention efforts should be affording women with development opportunities and salaries comparable to those offered to their male peers.

8. HOW DO YOU STAY ENGAGED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY?

I started out staying engaged in the community by volunteering with my son as he was growing. I was the team mom for years and as aged I served on the booster board of his sports. Volunteering and serving on the boards and committees allowed me to meet a range of people in the community. Identifying needs in a community affords me the opportunity to volunteer in different capacities. I maintain positive relationships with clients, businesses and key members of the community. These efforts also help me with fundraising projects. When traveling to work disasters in different areas I get to know my clients and network with agencies and companies assisting in the recovery efforts. Networking allows me the opportunity to recommend and assist clients in areas such as remodeling, roofing, etc. in which our company does not provide.

9. ANY TIPS FOR WORK/LIFE BALANCE?

Setting clear expectations and boundaries for yourself is critical to an effective work/life balance. Taking care of yourself – physically, mentally, and spiritually – helps you be the best version of yourself in both your personal and professional life. If you are on the road a lot, take time to take walks, do yoga, get a massage or do something fun for yourself so the hotel doesn’t make you depressed. Also, take a moment to call or Facetime home to stay connected with your family. I make this a priority and speak to my grown son and parents daily; either by text, a call or Facetime.

10. WHAT’S A FUN FACT ABOUT YOU THAT PEOPLE MIGHT NOT KNOW?

Fun fact very few know about me is, prior to being introduced to the emergency management field I was the first female promoter of a dirt track in Eastern, KY. 50 years of track history and I was the first female promoter and co-owner of Mountain Motor Speedway in Isom, KY. Aside from promoter, manager and co-owner I was also an occasional bouncer (ha-ha)! My family managed the dirt track for 3 years until Covid-19 hit and shut down all extra-curricular activities. This adventure was by far one of the coolest things I have ever done. I also gained the respect of many in another field that is primarily a man’s world. What I value most from this experience is the many lifelong friends I formed. Another fun fact very few people know about me is I am a Kentucky Colonel. The commission of Kentucky Colonel is the highest title of honor bestowed by the Governor of Kentucky. It is recognition of an individual’s noteworthy accomplishments and outstanding service to our community, state, and nation. I was nominated for this honor for all the charitable activities I participated in over the years.