Joy Smith, an industry leader and tireless advocate for youth empowerment, has been awarded with PPAI’s prestigious H. Ted Olson Humanitarian Award. This accolade celebrates her exceptional dedication to lifelong volunteerism, and her profound impact on the communities she serves.
Joy’s contributions span more than three decades, touching lives in the promotional products industry and far beyond. Her commitment to helping others has transformed communities through her leadership and hands-on work in a variety of programs. At New Mexico Job Corps, serving as a Community Relations volunteer for the past 28 years, Joy has been a driving force in supporting at-risk youth, Job Corps provides students with education, life skills, and training to secure jobs and build sustainable futures. Through her leadership, she helped create on-site childcare, for those students with a family, as well as bringing advanced classes and new opportunities. Job Corps offers career training in fields such as dental, medical, and trade work. These efforts have helped hundreds of young adults secure meaningful employment and build a brighter future. Joy served as President of the Executive Board for 14 of the 28 years of volunteering.
Beyond her work with Job Corps, Joy founded Women of Worth, an organization that equips homeless and near-homeless women with life skills and education, empowering them to recognize their worth and achieve self-sufficiency. Her ability to see potential in every person has inspired countless individuals to change the trajectory of their lives. Additionally, her work with Wings International and Noonday Ministries has helped those impacted by incarceration and homelessness find hope and new opportunities.
As part of her dedication to community enrichment, she volunteered with the City of Albuquerque’s Foster Grandparent Program for 16 years, where she served as President for 9 years. The Foster Grandparent Program partners senior citizens, giving them a sense of purpose, with children who need a little extra attention and love. This program was added to the childcare facility on the Job Corps site. It’s about making connections and building relationships for everybody’s benefit.
Her extensive disaster relief work began during Hurricane Katrina in 2005 but has also included floods, tornados, & wildfires. She serves on the child care team, chaplaincy, and provides vital communication services to families in crisis, as an FCC licensed Ham Radio operator.
"For me, it’s always been about seeing others thrive—especially young people who need a second chance,” Joy shared. “I’ve been so fortunate to work with incredible individuals who just needed someone to believe in them and provide the tools to succeed. Being honored with this award reminds me that when we lift others up, we build stronger, more resilient communities. I am grateful for AIA Corporation, because what they do for my business allows me to do what I love, doing what I can, where I can."
In the promotional products industry, Joy has played a pivotal role in shaping professional development and mentoring future leaders. As Chair of the MAS/CAS Certification Board, Joy became the first to present the MAS/CAS training at the PPAI Expo, mentoring 17 out of 20 students to complete their certifications. She has served on numerous committees and task forces, including the Professional Development and Public Relations Committees, where her influence extended from roundtable discussions at Expo to chairing key industry initiatives. She is a PPAI Fellow and a PPAI Advocate. Whether mentoring distributors, sales representatives, or industry colleagues, Joy’s passion for sharing knowledge and elevating others is unmatched, and her leadership continues to inspire excellence in the promotional products community.
“Joy’s work has created lasting change, not only in the communities she serves but also within our industry," said Lori Bauer, CEO of iPROMOTEu, parent of AIA Corporation. "Her dedication to mentoring and guiding future leaders has shaped the professional development of countless individuals. Joy’s passion for helping others—from the at-risk youth she empowers to the colleagues she uplifts—is a testament to her commitment to service. She has set an example for us all, showing that true leadership is about lifting others, both in business and in life. We are incredibly proud to see her receive the H. Ted Olson Humanitarian Award—an honor that reflects her impact and enduring legacy.”
About the H. Ted Olson Humanitarian Award
Presented by PPAI, the H. Ted Olson Humanitarian Award honors individuals who have made significant contributions through philanthropic efforts, exhibiting empathy, compassion, and devotion to the communities they serve. Recipients embody the highest values of volunteerism and selflessness within the promotional products industry.