Meet Kerri Smith

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kerri Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kerri, how does your business help the community?
From a medical standpoint, misaligned teeth can affect far more than a child’s appearance; they can impact overall health and confidence. Without treatment, kids face higher risks of decay, gum disease, jaw pain, speech challenges, and even digestive issues. But the emotional impact can be just as painful. Teens with visible dental problems are three times more likely to struggle with low self-esteem or bullying.

For single parents, who are five times more likely to live below the poverty line, the average $6,000 cost of braces can feel completely out of reach. That’s where we step in. Eternal Smiles Foundation exists to lift that burden and restore hope, but our work goes far beyond braces. We’re planting seeds of lifelong generosity, just like our founder, Rob Jenkins, whose own childhood gift of braces from a stranger sparked a movement that’s now blessing children across North Texas. Rob is living proof that one act of kindness can grow into a tidal wave of generosity.

Our goal isn’t only to create confident smiles; it’s to inspire future givers. Every Blessed Kid we serve is part of a bigger story: a ripple of compassion that we pray will keep expanding for generations to come.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
It’s impossible to talk about my career without talking about my faith in Jesus. That’s truly the only explanation for how someone like me, a classic Type A personality, wired for structure, timelines, and predictable outcomes, would leave the safety of the corporate world to step into the unknown of nonprofit work.

What sets me apart is that I still plan with intention, but I hold those plans loosely. If I sense it’s time to move in a new direction, even one that’s uncertain, I go. That’s the only way to serve well in a mission-driven space; because the work is always bigger than us. We’re simply called to carry out what’s been entrusted to us.

The process of releasing control hasn’t been easy, and I still wrestle with it. But it’s been the most freeing, faith-stretching journey I’ve ever known. I’m deeply proud of the Eternal Smiles Foundation and of our founder, Rob Jenkins, who turned his own story of childhood hardship into a living legacy of generosity. Watching his personal blessing multiply into hope for other families reminds me daily that when we let go of our own plans, we make room for miracles far greater than anything we could have designed ourselves.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m a West Texas native, so I naturally gravitate toward the Fort Worth side of town and all things southern and western, especially if it’s outdoors. The Lakehouse in Fort Worth is my go-to spot for a great meal, a patio beverage, and live music on the weekends. For a true Texas experience, Mule Alley in the Stockyards never disappoints; it’s packed with incredible restaurants, live bands, and that authentic cowboy charm you just can’t find anywhere else.

If your visit happens to fall during the Texas State Fair, that’s a must. Grab a Fletcher’s corn dog (the jalapeño one is my favorite!), catch the pig races, and take in some of the best people-watching in the state. Fall in DFW is perfect for outdoor festivals, concerts, and soaking up that Texas weather. You have your choice of SO many great (often free!) events.

And honestly, while I love all the excitement DFW has to offer, my introverted side is just as happy with a long trail walk followed by a day at home with college football on TV. That’s my kind of perfect balance.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My faith journey is at the heart of everything I do, and it’s ultimately what led me to working with families in need. It’s been a beautiful adventure of heart-healing and self-discovery; learning that even the most painful parts of my story were never wasted. Every experience, even the hard ones, prepared me for this season and shaped the purpose I now walk in.

Along the way, I’ve been blessed with incredible mentors and leaders who modeled what it means to live with faith, courage, and conviction. People like Vickie Akins, Carla Shellis, and now Rob Jenkins, the founder of Eternal Smiles Foundation, have each shown me what it looks like to take bold leaps of faith, risking comfort, time, and resources to build something that changes lives. Their examples have deeply influenced the way I lead, serve, and trust God with the work ahead.

Website: https://eternalsmiles.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eternal.smiles.foundation/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eternal-smiles-foundation/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EternalSmilesFoundation/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@eternal.smiles