About Speaker
An advocate for people with disabilities and a recognized influencer of nonprofit causes, Linda Smith built one of the largest charitable organizations in the nation, and in doing so raised a half a billion dollars and inspired the giving of hundreds of millions more across the globe. Today, she shares her story of perseverance inspired by the birth of her profoundly disabled son.
As an author, speaker and fundraising consultant, Smith enjoys helping development professionals and boards of directors think big, raise expectations and increase fundraising efforts and results for their nonprofit organization’s mission. This spirit has led to the launch of Smith’s consulting business where she specializes in fundraising consulting for capital campaigns and major gifts, non-profit board development, signature event development and overall fundraising leadership and management.
With nearly 40 years of development experience, Smith is recognized as a fundraising icon whose knowledge and efforts have impacted organizations throughout the world. Inspired by her eldest son Christopher and her life experiences, Smith was led to author her memoir “Unwanted,” which launched in March, 2019.