COVER STORY
Bringing Passion
to a Worthy Cause
Allen Smith Raises
Funding, Awareness
for Son of a Saint
By Kimmie Tubre
Many people may go their entire
lives without finding a passion for
doing great deeds. Fortunately,
however, there are others for
whom passion is part of their DNA.
For Allen Smith, his passion is invested in his work with the Son of a Saint
organization which is dedicated to helping young, at-risk men rise above their
troubled circumstances and go on to lead productive and fulfilling lives. His
recent promotion to Donor Relations Manager of SOS has brought in vast sums
of money to help the organization fulfill its mission.
“I can tell that people see how passionate I am and fortunately, I’ve been able
to bring that authenticity into my employment,” Allen said.
The passion Allen brought to the organization began at an early age. The
youngest of three children, he was an outgoing, extroverted child. He recalls his
childhood as being full of ideas. The New Orleans East native credits his mother,
the owner of a hair salon, with handing down her spirit of entrepreneurship.
“Mom was the true definition of an entrepreneur,” Allen said. “Something
about her drive… she exuded success and instilled it in us.”
Allen began chalking out business ideas from as early as he could remember.
“I remember creating a business plan for a keychain business,” he recalled.
When he was 12, he formulated plans for owning a nursery and hopefully
having his own hotel.
Allen lived in New Orleans until he was 15 years old. But then Hurricane
Katrina hit, and he and his family were forced to relocate to Houston, Texas.
Although the hurricane was a major catastrophe for New Orleans, the move
turned out to be a blessing for Allen personally.
PHOTO BY BIONCA FLOT SYKES
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