Crystal Smitherman
Members Who Motivate Us Q. Please tell us about your role on the Birmingham City Council. What does your service in that capacity entail? A. As Birmingham City Councilor,
customer service is a high requirement of the job. It is about meeting people where they are and listening to their concerns and needs. My job is all about serving people first. My primary focus is continuing to improve neighborhoods for good, protecting citizens by removing dilapidated houses, reducing crime, increasing affordable housing, and renovating public housing. Working hard, being prepared and creating meaningful partnerships has always been the cornerstone of this administration. I also serve as an advocate and policy changer.
Above: Crystal was sworn into her Birmingham City Council role by her mother, Judge Carole Smitherman. Right: Crystal and her family celebrate her admittance into the State Bar.
Q. What’s the best team you’ve ever been a part of and why? A. The best team I have ever been a part
of was my college golf team at Hampton. I really developed lifelong friendships with them. They taught me how to push myself past my comfort zone and reminded me that it’s always good to have a good laugh.
Q. Tell us about a person or organization that you admire. Why do you think they have made an important impact? A. I admire my mother Judge Carole
Smitherman so much. I admire her because she is my mother, and she has accomplished so much while remaining humble. She believes that as a Black woman you can achieve it all while still having a successful career. She also believes the goal is to break glass ceilings and bring other women along with you in the process of breaking those ceilings.
Q. Thinking back to when you were a young lawyer or a law student, what advice would you give yourself? A. I would tell myself to stay focused on
your own journey and to make the most
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BIRMINGHAM BAR BULLETIN
