A Magna Cum Laude graduate of Kent State University, Elsie moved from New York to Houston 30 years ago and decided she would embrace her creative entrepreneurial spirit. In 1985, with two clients she retained from her New York corporate career, she founded and still runs Elsie Smith & Associates Inc., a Graphic Design & Branding firm.
Elsie’s passion for giving back and supporting what she believes in has meant hands-on, long-term volunteering.
Her unwavering belief that medical research is the answer to finding a cure led her 27 years ago to become both a Founding and lifetime member of BRASS (Baylor Research Advocates for Student Scientists). BRASS is a unique non-profit organization that “adopts” and provides scholarships and funding for the research of Ph.D. students in the Baylor College of Medicine Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. Over eleven million dollars raised, four endowed scholarships, and an endowed dean’s chair later, BRASS is the only nonprofit organization of its kind in the country. Elsie is currently serving her fourth term as President of BRASS.
Elsie serves on the Alley Theatre Advisory Board and the City of Houston’s BARC Foundation Board. She is active in the Barbara Bush Literacy Foundation’s Ladies for Literacy, the Houston Symphony League, and is a Youth Ambassador for the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary Boys & Girls Club.
She has co-chaired the Texas Children’s Cancer Center’s Salute to Champions “Runway for A Cure” Annual Luncheon since its inception 13 years ago. In 2016, she chaired the “BARC on Broadway” Gala and co-chaired the Houston Symphony League President’s Luncheon
Elsie was named a 2019 Woman of Distinction by the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America and is being honored as a 2022 Inspiring Woman Impact Maker for the CKW LUXE February 2022 Impact Makers Award Gala.
Elsie and her husband, Les, the President of ARFC Solutions, enjoy traveling, adding to their art collection, and opening their home, which they share with their Welsh Terrier “Stella,” to host a variety of charitable events.
Elsie knows true joy comes from helping others and giving back.