Kristen Smitherman-Voltaire

Kristen Smitherman-Voltaire is an economic inclusion activist, construction career advocate, and community engagement practitioner with over 10 years of experience in the equity and inclusion space. As Community and Citizenship Manager at Turner Construction, she manages the company’s community outreach and economic inclusion efforts, applying her unique combination of community engagement, equity and inclusion, and project management expertise to cultivate sustainable economic impact for underrepresented businesses and inspire the next generation of go-getters to imagine themselves in a fulfilling career in the construction industry. Beyond her current responsibilities, Kristen co-founded and co-leads Turner’sMid-North Inclusion Action Team, the first regional model at Turner designed to enact an anti-racism strategy. As a result of her work, she continues to be recognized locally, regionally, and nationally. Some of her accolades include the 2015 Outstanding Women of Northern Kentucky Emerging Leader Award, the 2019 Northern Kentucky Young Professionals Next Generation Leader Award, the 2022 Walter L. Pieschell Volunteer of the Year Award, and various invitations to speak to audiences across the globe. Kristen is in her element when she contributes her time to supporting and advocating for improved health and well-being of those who are most vulnerable, underrepresented, and often forgotten. To align her community work with her personal passions, she proudly serves as Vice Chair of the City of Cincinnati Human Services Advisory Council, the St. Elizabeth Healthcare Strategic Planning Committee, Allied Construction Industries She Builds Committee, the Northern Kentucky Chamber Board of Directors and Executive Committee, and the Library Foundation of Cincinnati & Hamilton County Board of Directors. Kristen and her husband, Emilio, live in Westwood with their two daughters, Arya and Gianna, and two rescue dogs, Bart and Gio.