Today we’d like to introduce you to Daphne Smith.
Hi Daphne, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I went to college to become a lawyer, though my intentions were not altruistic. After watching a movie about a man who becomes an attorney for financial gain, I realized I couldn’t live without my morals and values. In my senior year, I changed my major to English and graduated only knowing, I wanted to help people (and wear cute shoes).
Working in the non-profit industry was my preference. I’d rather use my time and energy helping to improve the world around me, than making someone wealthy. Over the past 20 years, I’ve used my lived experience, passion for helping people and an English degree to support organizational development, infrastructure and strategy.
Today, I am fortunate to work with an amazing team of attorney’s and advocates who are equally as passionate about making health care accessible and affordable for all Washingtonians.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I would not describe my path as a smooth one. When I made the decision to change my college major at the last minute, I also committed to pursuing opportunities that aligned with my morals and values. While some of my choices may have made my journey more complex, I have been fortunate that many of the challenges I encountered were either justifiable and gave me the opportunity to learn and grow or it highlighted a misalignment with my values. In those situations, I would be prepared to step away rather than remain in a role that required me to compromise what I believe in.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
NoHLA is a public legal health advocacy. We use policy and legislative advocacy to make health care accessible and affordable for all Washingtonians. As a highly collaborative team, NoHLA works with government agencies and community partners to improve Apple Health (Medicaid). With a state fiscal deficit and federal policy changes that reduces funding, we’re doing all we can to defend cuts to care and funding to this health safety net that many Washingtonians will need one day.
At a time when many community Washingtonians no longer have safe access to or are unable to afford health care, I feel grateful to be on a team that is vested in serving those communities.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I believe my honesty has been most important. Asking questions when I didn’t understand or speaking up when I wanted exposure or experience has served me well.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://NoHLA.org
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nw-health-law-advocates/
