EPS 48 Lucy Smith’s Montana Legacy of Leading with Purpose

From Flathead to East Africa: Lucy Smith’s Legacy of Leading with Purpose | Episode #48

What happens when humble beginnings, bold leadership, and a global heart for service collide? This week on the IWD406 Podcast, we sit down with Lucy Smith — a trailblazing nonprofit leader whose three-decade legacy stretches from Montana’s Flathead Valley to villages in East Africa and beyond.

Lucy moved to the Flathead in 1989 and quickly became a cornerstone of the region’s nonprofit and philanthropic growth. From her early days as Executive Director of Literacy Volunteers to her pivotal role launching the Flathead Community Foundation, Lucy has poured her heart into every cause she’s touched.

But her story isn’t bound by state lines.

With deep compassion and fearless dedication, Lucy spent four years leading international relief projects in Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Kenya, and today, she continues to mentor, serve, and inspire through global Rotary missions and women’s health initiatives in rural communities.

And she’s not done yet.

As the incoming District Governor for Montana’s Rotary District 5390, Lucy’s still proving that leadership doesn’t retire — it just evolves.

Why Listen?

If you’ve ever wondered:

• What does long-term impact really look like in nonprofit leadership?

• How do you honor humble roots while leading bold change across the world?

• What keeps someone committed to service for over 30 years?

• How can women create powerful ripple effects through philanthropy and mentorship?

…then this episode is your masterclass in legacy leadership.

What You’ll Learn

** How Lucy helped shape the nonprofit landscape of the Flathead Valley — and why her proudest moments are rooted in collaboration

** Her experiences working on the ground in East Africa and why cross-cultural leadership matters now more than ever

** The importance of clean water, public health, and youth education in her ongoing global Rotary work

** How the Women Who Wine philanthropic giving circle has funneled over $400,000 into local nonprofits (with wine nights included!)

** What drives Lucy to keep showing up — from choir singing and biking across Europe, to championing women’s health education in Kenya

From Local Impact to Global Reach Lucy Smith is living proof that a life of service is the greatest adventure. Whether she’s building literacy programs, launching foundations, or leading in faraway villages, Lucy leads with humility, heart, and the courage to act — one project, one person, one purpose at a time.

Follow Lucy’s Impact: ** Rotary International: Clean Water & Women’s Health Projects ** Women Who Wine – Flathead Valley Giving Circle ** Local Choirs & Community Boards in Northwest Montana

** Ready to be inspired? Tune in now wherever you get your podcasts. ** Watch the full video version on YouTube.

Want to support our mission? Learn more about IWD406 sponsorship opportunities at www.iwd406.com or email us at [e-mail]. Follow us on Instagram: @theiwd406podcast