RUTH ABIGAIL SMITH

Executive Director + Co-Founder

Role: 
Organizational Leadership Strategic Planning Program Creation and Oversight Staff Management; Executive Team

Started Full-time: January 2020 (but part of AngelStreet from the beginning)

"Even before I moved to Memphis, I always had the thought of combining my passion for youth ministry with my passion for music. So when we began to dream about what AngelStreet could be, it was a no brainer!" -Ruth Abigail Smith

FACTS ABOUT ME

• Moved to Memphis in 2010 from Houston, Texas (aka H-Town)

• My favorite things to cook are gumbo and sweet potato pie.

• I was an extra in a children’s movie called "My First Hymnal."

• It wasn’t until my senior year of high school that most of my peers found out I played piano. Basketball seemed way cooler at the time!

MEMPHIS MUST-EXPERIENCE: Ms. Girlee’s Soul Food (I LOVE soul food!)

FRIDGE MUST-HAVE: Leftovers

SOMEONE WHO IMPACTED ME:

My high school piano teacher was the the first teacher I had that looked like me…an African American woman. She showed me that I was not limited to a certain style or art form when it came to music. She was highly proficient in both classical piano and gospel piano. I did not know that black people could do both. It changed my world. She also taught me how to teach, which I learned I really love doing… even more than performing myself.

FAVORITE ANGELSTREET MEMORY:  

A few years ago, AngelStreet created a program that focused on teaching young ladies how to play either guitar or piano. As part of that program, the girls were able to earn their own instruments by committing to lessons for a year. We gave away 2 guitars and 1 keyboard to 3 students! Even though we no longer run that program, the relationships that formed during that season have been unmatched in many ways!

Trust in the Lord with all heart; do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek His will in all you do and He will show you which path to take. 
-Proverbs 3:5-6-

{ Contact Ruth Abigail }