Courtney Ebonique Smith: From Detroit Youth Advocate to Global Inspiration

Confidence and support can transform lives, especially for Black women who navigate a world often stacked against them. These elements are the bedrock upon which Courtney Ebonique Smith, the dynamic and inspiring CEO of the Detroit Phoenix Center, has built her journey. Now, she stands at the precipice of an international stage as a candidate for Ms. Voluptuous International, ready to showcase the power of resilience, leadership, and unwavering commitment to community upliftment. Smith’s trajectory from a passionate youth advocate to a beacon of hope in Detroit is a testament to what Black women can achieve when bolstered by confidence and community support. As the reigning Ms. Voluptuous Michigan, she is poised to bring her passion for youth empowerment, literacy, and social justice to a global audience. Her work at the Detroit Phoenix Center, a nonprofit dedicated to disrupting youth homelessness and breaking the cycle of generational poverty, has earned her numerous accolades and the admiration of many. Smith’s journey into pageantry began unexpectedly but turned out to be transformative. “I got involved in pageantry by accident, but it turned out to be a life-changing journey. After completing the first leg of my sacred sabbatical through the Eugene Miller Fellowship,...