|
As she advanced her executive career, Amy lived all over the
greater U.S. from NY to TX and AZ.
“I’ve lived all over the world to realize home is where the
heart is.
People said just sell the business, don’t uproot your
family, but my gut said - you’re going home,” recalls Hall.
Newly uncertain of her sight unseen business, Hall
remembered the most important characteristic her family
instilled in her from the onset - courage.
“I allowed myself to be vulnerable. That is what defining
moments are made of. It took courage to show up when I
couldn’t predict or control the outcome. But I did it,”
recalls Hall.
Ebony Construction Company, a Minority Business Enterprise
in Sylvania, Ohio, was established in 1986 by Hall’s father,
William A. Smith III. “We are a heavy highway contractor
specializing in asphalt paving, milling, trucking and
material sales,” shares Hall.
Providing paving services with proven quality and
consistency has made Ebony a recognized contractor in
the Northwest Ohio region. In both 2002 and 2008, Ebony was
the recipient of Flexible Pavement of Ohio’s Smooth Pavement
Award.
As CEO, Amy’s approach to women's leadership is different
and refreshing. Rather than leaning in and adopting the
'boys' rules of the game, she embraces the feminine
collective, leading from a place of confidence and
empowerment from within.
“I think there is something about being ok with who you are
and not having to be who people want you to be. We
must fully embrace who we are as women. It’s a great time
to be a women in business,” states Amy.
For a long time, women were taught to “act like men” and to
“play by the rules” to get ahead in business. But Amy comes
from a lineage of pioneers.
“It was kind of unheard of that my grandparents had their
master degrees in the 1920’s. My grandmother Ruth was even
on the
1924 Ohio State Women's Championship Soccer Team!
I always
think if my ancestors could accomplish so much in those
days, with the right attitude, I can make an impact on this
world, too.”
Hall’s grandfather, William A. Smith, Jr., was a revered
figure in the Toledo African-American community. Mr. Smith
worked on the war board working to keep kids out of the
war. He also helped with race relations, advocating for
education and economic stabilization within the black
community. He passed away in 1967 after 20 years as
Executive Director of the Frederick Douglas Community
Association. Smith Park was built and dedicated to his
memory in 1974.
“My grandfather would be so proud to see the new Dorr St.
corridor and the renovations taking place at Smith Park,”
Amy shares.
2020 marks the 25th year
that the YWCA of Northwest Ohio is recognizing extraordinary
women in the community. These women demonstrate exceptional
leadership qualities and contribute to the empowerment of
women. Amy will be honored for her outstanding
contribution in the area of business at their annual
Milestones Awards Luncheon.
“I’m eternally grateful and truly humbled to receive this
honor,” states Hall.
Hall currently serves on the ProMedica Paramount Insurance
Board of Trustees and sits on the Ohio Contractors Executive
Board of Directors - the first black woman to hold her
position. Amy is the mother of three wonderful boys-
Joseph, Grant and Kellen.
The 25th Annual Milestone Awards will take place at the
Seagate Center in downtown Toledo (TBA). All proceeds from
the luncheon will benefit more than 23,000 women and
families who utilize the social service programs of the
YWCA.
|
