Vanessa Smith

Vanessa Smith is the Executive Director of the South Side Help Center (SSHC), a Chicago-based nonprofit founded in 1987 to address health disparities and strengthen communities on the city’s South Side. Continuing the legacy of her mother, SSHC’s founder Betty Smith, Vanessa has expanded the organization’s reach, leading efforts in HIV prevention, youth development, and community wellness. Under her leadership, SSHC provides thousands of residents each year with testing, prevention education, and supportive services. She also serves as Domestic Vice Chair on the AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s Executive Board, where she advocates nationally for equitable access to care. Vanessa is widely recognized for her commitment to culturally responsive health initiatives and her dedication to empowering underserved communities.