Named after the late PPAI president emeritus, the H. Ted Olson Humanitarian Award is presented to members who have shown enduring empathy, devotion and commitment to improving quality of life and bringing about change for the betterment of a community.
To Joy H. Smith, MAS, that comes naturally.
“I was taught as a child to help where I can, when I can,” Smith says. “If I see a need that I can fill, I just do so.”
Joy H. Smith, MAS
Owner, Joy of Advertising
Countering that nonchalant humility is the praise heaped on her by others in the industry, including Mary Ellen Sokalski, MAS, who was inducted into the 2023 PPAI Hall of Fame.
“If I was Saint Peter at the pearly gates and up walked Joy Smith – with the legion of charities and service organizations she has helped selflessly – I would usher her right to the express lane,” Sokalski says.
Indeed, the 30-year industry veteran and owner of New Mexico-based distributor Joy of Advertising has given plenty of herself and her time over those decades, and now her accolades are starting to add up. Her acknowledgment through the H. Ted Olson Humanitarian Award followed up her having won the 2024 PPAI Woman of Achievement award.
Smith began her career in hair and beauty supply sales along with another chapter in life as a qualified real estate broker. But it was in the ’90s that she found an industry where her creativity and willingness to dedicate her time was appreciated. Since then, the promo world has given her a long career while benefiting from her work in it.
She has served on numerous committees and advisory councils, including chairing PPAI’s Professional Development Committee from 2020-2022. Named a PPAI Fellow in 2016, Smith also has the distinction of presenting the first MAS/CAS training at The PPAI Expo 2004.
Over the course of that year, two decades ago, Smith mentored 17 participants over the course of that year, nurturing and empowering the next generation of industry leaders.
Beyond the promo industry, she’s served in leadership positions for various nonprofit and civic organizations, including being named honorary chairwoman of the Business Advisory Council for New Mexico and receiving the 2003 National Leadership Award sponsored by then-congressman Tom DeLay. She’s embarked on service mission trips around the world, mentoring recent college graduates, providing food and clothes to an orphanage and working with prison and gang ministries.
Smith has served as chair of Albuquerque’s Foster Grandparent Program and founded the Women of Worth organization, which equips women who are homeless or near homeless with life skills and education. She currently volunteers with Noonday Ministries and is the Blue Hat team leader for the New Mexico Southern Baptist Disaster Relief.
And, if that’s not enough, she rescues unsheltered animals, including a horse named Miracle who currently resides on her ranch.
“I have never considered what I do as special, so needless to say, I am humbled to be recognized for just being me,” Smith says.
