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, I emerged renewed and ready for new challenges. During this transformative period, I rediscovered my love for nature, reading, and self-expression. I fell in love with myself over and over again, starting a beautiful healing journey,” Smith shared. Inspired by Tabitha Brown’s book, ‘I Did a New Thing,’ Smith decided to embark on a new journey by applying to represent Michigan in the Miss Voluptuous International Pageant. To her surprise and delight, she was crowned Ms. Voluptuous Michigan.

Representing Michigan’s beauty and diversity on a global stage feels incredibly special to Smith. “The Miss Voluptuous Pageants’ values of leadership, empowerment, and service resonate deeply with me. I am also very excited to connect with women all over the world who share these values,” Smith expressed. Her background in youth power building, community development, and education, especially through founding the Detroit Phoenix Center, aligns perfectly with the pageant’s mission.

Smith’s platform, Ignite Literacy: Readers Are Leaders, allows her to spread the love of reading and ensure that every young person has the opportunity to dream big. She believes in representing bigger-bodied women and demonstrating that everyBODY is beautiful and everyBODY can be a leader. “This journey is not just about my personal growth but about inspiring and impacting my community and beyond,” Smith emphasized.

The Detroit Phoenix Center has been transformative for Smith both professionally and personally. Starting the organization in her early 20s, she has strengthened her leadership skills, deepened her empathy, and reinforced the importance of community and resilience. “Each day, I am truly inspired by the courage and brilliance of the young people we serve. This work has also taught me the power of advocacy and the importance of elevating the voices of young people so they, too, can have the agency to create systemic change. It has grounded me in my purpose and constantly reminded me of why I do what I do,” Smith reflected.

“My mission is clear: to stand before God at the end of my life and know that I have used every talent, tool, and platform to make the world better while I am here. This involves centering young people and uplifting them with the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive. This involves removing all barriers for them to access to education, housing, and essential services,” Smith declared. “The pageant amplifies this mission, focusing on youth literacy through my platform ‘Ignite Literacy’ because it is the foundation for academic success, personal development, and future opportunities. Education is a pathway for young people to break the cycle of poverty, make informed decisions, and be active, engaged members of their communities. The visibility and recognition of the pageant amplify this on a global stage and create a broader audience for my mission to be realized,” she explained.

Detroit has notably influenced Smith’s journey. “Detroit has been a significant influence on my journey. The city’s resilience, innovation, and community care are my lifeblood. Growing up, living, working, and playing in Detroit has instilled in me the importance of grit and perseverance. Our community’s challenges have elevated the need for systemic change and the power of collective action. Detroit’s vibrant culture and spirit have inspired me to push boundaries and show the world that Detroiters are much more than the negative portrayal in the media. We are global leaders and world changers. The city has shaped my identity as a change agent,” Smith affirmed.

Being a Black woman today means carrying the legacy of those who came before and paving the way for future generations. “It means standing firm in the face of challenges and using my voice and platform to fight for equity, justice, and opportunities for the Black community. As a Black woman, I’m aware of the barriers we face, but I also see the power, brilliance, and strength. My journey is about breaking down these barriers, creating spaces for Black voices to be heard, not apologizing for being seen and inspiring others to live in their truth. It’s about helping others as I climb and ensuring my success opens doors for others. This mission is at the heart of everything I do, including participating in pageants, where I amplify my identity as a role model and advocate for positive change,” she proclaimed.

Smith’s candidacy for Ms. Voluptuous International is more than a title; it’s a platform to continue her work of empowering youth, advocating for literacy, and promoting social justice. It’s a testament to her dedication to her community and her unwavering commitment to making a difference. As she stands on the international stage, she carries with her the hopes and dreams of Detroit’s youth, the strength of her community, and the spirit of a Black woman determined to create a better world.