Karen Hesse-Smith

Karen Hesse Smith believes that every person has a role in nurturing the well-being of their community. “We must serve through stewardship, empathy, humility, and resilience; one person, one conversation at a time,” she says. She describes being named a Community Champion as humbling, noting that organizations like Meals For The Elderly are the true champions, helping individuals maintain autonomy and connection through over 50 years of service.

Karen serves on the City Council and several boards, including the San Angelo Old Town Conservancy, Looping Us Together, and Ambleside Concho Valley. She is also a certified Master Gardener and an alumna of the San Angelo Cultural Affairs Council Executive Board, the GAFB Honorary Commanders program, and DPAC, supporting architecture and design in developing communities worldwide.

Her inspiration comes from Philippians 2:3: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”

Fun facts about Karen: she speaks Swedish, once had her own sled dog racing team, and has appeared on Chinese national television, experiences that have given her the joy of meeting extraordinary people in surprising places.