Meet Andi Smart-Allen | State Director, Best Buddies in Florida and Inclusion Advocate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Andi Smart-Allen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andi, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
The non-profit sector is most often credited with doing good in the world. While that is true, most people fail to realize non-profit operations closely align for-profit operations inclusive of driving results to meet quantitative and qualitative goals. For example, liken a fundraiser to a sales associate. They have benchmarks to meet. Clients to retain, Relationships to manage. “Sales” goals to hit. The glaring difference: a non-profit’s sellable goods are intangible – a feel good of sorts, making the “sale” that much harder. You are always in “product demonstration mode” hoping the “buyer” falls in love with the mission and thus, “closing the deal.”

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
For over 14 years I have dedicated my life to the non-profit sector, a treasure I stumbled upon by chance. Upon graduating high school, I had my sights set on becoming a nurse. I spent three years taking general education courses that would lead me into the nursing program and six years working at a pediatric emergency room. While I exceled as an emergency room technician, I struggled to balance school, work and motherhood. When it was time to apply for the nursing program, I did not get accepted. I was devastated and there were definitely tears. Once I licked my wounds, I spent time thinking about my strengths, passions and where I envisioned myself in 10-20 years. Ultimately, I graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Communication. During my final semester I interned in the marketing department at a major hospital in Atlanta. As an intern, I worked interdepartmentally to support internal fundraising efforts for the hospital’s community partner: the American Heart Association. I also coordinated the annual diabetes expo for the hospital. That small taste of event planning and non-profit fundraising led me to the non-profit sector. After graduating college, I started out small, assuming a role as a development coordinator for a National non-profit and worked hard to be seen, heard and respected for the work I was capable of producing. I often found myself dominating goals and taking on positions with increasing responsibilities. While my path has been curvy, every experience prepared me for the leadership role I’m in today. I can triage and critically think through most obstacles seamlessly – a skill I learned from my years working in the emergency room. I’ve learned to embrace the pivot for there may be a much bigger dream just around the corner. I’ve learned hard work doesn’t always produce the intended goal but there is a lesson learned in the journey regardless. I’ve learned “work” is a lot more digestible when you do what you love! Finally, I’ve learned one must commit to being a lifetime scholar. Never stop learning, growing and molding yourself to be the best possible version of you!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

What I love most about South Florida is the diversity. There are so many cultural experiences in this vibrant town. I’d likely start in Fort Lauderdale and work my way down to Wynwood. A stroll along the River Front on Los Olas ensuring we stop by a few of my favorite local spots for happy hour: Salt 7, The Wharf and YoLo to name a few. We’d then catch the Water Taxi to the beach and have a drink and maybe some Grilled Octopus at S3. I’d promise to take them to Kaluz next time they were back in town.

Day two we’d head down to Miami via Brightline with a goal of landing in Wynwood. First stop would be the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science  followed by a stroll in Maurice A. Ferré Park. We’d head to Wynwood and stop in one of the many restaurant choices along the way. We’d take in the wall art on our way to Fireman Derek’s Bakery. Time and tummies permitting, we’d head over to Little Havana for some rich Cuban cuisine.

Day three we’d head up north to Boca stopping by a few of my faves along the way: Boca Town Center and Farmers Table. We’d then head to Delray Beach for Happy Hour and, once again, make a restaurant selection based on the mood.

Finally, we’d end the trip with a yacht charter – taking in the beautiful waterways along the eastern seaboard.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to thank the American Express Leadership Academy, Centers for Creative Leadership and Atlas Corps for offering a transformative leadership development experience that fostered unique insights and memorable connections. I’d also like to recognize my current employer; Best Buddies, for trusting me to lead efforts in Florida and celebrating our wins along the way and my past employer, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, for providing me with the business acumen necessary to become the driven professional I am today. While these entities shaped my leadership style in the most positive way, I must credit the circle of people that surrounded me in my youth and cheered me on as I navigated life as a teenage mom. My mom Diane and Aunt Elisa, as well as friends turned “framily.” They gave me just the right amount of love and support but, also challenged me to occasionally “figure it out.” The sheer grit developed from this experience certainly molded me into the resilient human being I am today and for that, I am grateful.

Website: https://www.bestbuddies.org/florida/

Instagram: @bestbuddiesfl

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/andismartallen

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bestbuddiesfl/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/bestbuddies