Christine M. Smith, M.A.,  is a strategic and results-driven leader with nearly two decades of experience advancing equity, Tribal sovereignty, and family-centered services across state, nonprofit, and community systems. She is deeply committed to building authentic partnerships with Tribal Nations, community organizations, and public agencies to drive sustainable, culturally responsive change.

Previously, Christine held leadership roles at the Penumbra Center for Racial Healing, People Serving People, the Minnesota Department of Health, and the Minnesota Department of Human Services. In these roles, she led statewide health equity and Tribal grant initiatives, coordinated Tribal consultation and policy development, and directed family-centered programs focused on long-term well-being and systems transformation.

Christine holds a Master’s degree in Family Life Education from Concordia University, a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Communication from Augsburg College, and a Certificate in Holistic Health Science from St. Catherine University. She is an ACEs Certified Trainer and is trained in Motivational Interviewing, Technology of Participation, and Art of Hosting.