About KeeKee
"Working every day, for everday people."
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"Rochester has shaped me. It has given me purpose, resilience, and a deep commitment to justice."
Chiara "KeeKee" Smith
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Her Story
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Chiara "Kee Kee" Smith is a lifelong resident of Rochester's Northeast District, deeply rooted in the community that has shaped her values and aspirations. Her journey is a testament to resilience, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to social justice and community well-being.
Early Life and Community Roots
Growing up in Rochester's Northeast District, Chiara witnessed firsthand the challenges and triumphs of her community. These early experiences instilled in her a profound understanding of the systemic issues affecting her neighbors, particularly in areas like mental health access, housing stability, and community violence. Her upbringing was not just about observing these challenges but actively engaging in solutions, laying the foundation for her future endeavors.
Professional Commitment to Health Equity
Chiara's passion for community advocacy led her to the Greater Rochester Health Foundation, where she serves as a Program Officer. In this role, she collaborates with local organizations to develop and implement initiatives aimed at improving health outcomes, especially for marginalized communities. Her work emphasizes the importance of addressing social determinants of health, recognizing that factors like housing, education, and economic stability are integral to overall well-being. Chiara's colleagues describe her as a strategic thinker and implementer, someone who listens intently and acts decisively to bring about meaningful change.
Advocacy and Leadership
Beyond her professional role, Chiara is an active participant in various advocacy groups and community organizations. She has been involved in initiatives that focus on tenant rights, anti-poverty measures, and violence prevention. Her commitment to these causes is not just professional but deeply personal, reflecting her dedication to creating a more equitable and just society. Chiara's leadership is characterized by a collaborative approach, working alongside community members to co-create solutions that address their most pressing concerns.
Political Aspirations and Vision
In 2023, Chiara expanded her service to the community by running as a candidate for the Northeast District seat on the Rochester City Council, representing the progressive People's Slate. Her campaign was rooted in the belief that systemic change is necessary to address the root causes of issues like poverty, housing instability, and community violence. Although she was not elected, Chiara's campaign brought attention to critical issues and amplified the voices of those often marginalized in political discourse.
A Personal Commitment to Rochester
Chiara's dedication to Rochester goes beyond her professional and political endeavors. She is deeply involved in grassroots initiatives, from organizing food stands in the 14621 neighborhood to supporting families impacted by gun violence. Her hands-on approach reflects a genuine commitment to the well-being of her neighbors. Chiara often emphasizes that her work is not about seeking recognition but about fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility.
Continuing the Legacy of Service
Inspired by local trailblazers like Rocky Simmons, Audrey Smith, Maudine Brown, and Nina Becoats Gaines, Chiara sees herself as part of a continuum of leaders dedicated to equity and justice. She believes in the power of collective action and strives to build upon the legacy of those who have paved the way for community advocacy in Rochester. Her vision is one of inclusivity, where every resident has a voice in shaping the future of their community.
Looking Ahead
As Chiara continues her work, she remains focused on addressing the interconnected issues of mental health access, housing affordability, and community safety. Her approach is holistic, recognizing that sustainable change requires addressing multiple facets of community life. Chiara's unwavering dedication serves as an inspiration to many, embodying the belief that true leadership is rooted in service and a deep connection to the community.
In essence, Chiara "Kee Kee" Smith's life story is one of profound commitment to her community. Her journey reflects a blend of personal experience, professional dedication, and a heartfelt desire to create a more just and equitable Rochester. Through her work, Chiara continues to uplift those around her, fostering a sense of hope and collective empowerment.
Her Mission
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Chiara “Kee Kee” Smith’s mission is to transform Rochester into a city where every resident—regardless of zip code—can live with dignity, access opportunity, and thrive. Rooted in her lived experience and shaped by years of grassroots and professional advocacy, Chiara is committed to expanding mental health services, protecting tenants, ending gun violence, and fighting for affordable housing. She believes real change happens when community voices are heard and centered in policy-making. Her mission is to bridge the gap between government and the people it serves by creating transparent, people-first solutions that uplift families, heal neighborhoods, and build a future where justice, equity, and compassion are the cornerstones of civic life.
Success Stories
The 14621 Food Stands Initiative
Community Healing Through Nourishment and Unity
In the heart of Rochester’s 14621 neighborhood, Chiara Smith saw more than just food insecurity — she saw an opportunity to transform a struggling community through compassion, consistency, and care. In 2020, she launched the 14621 Food Stands Initiative, a grassroots effort that became more than a source of nourishment — it became a beacon of hope.
The stands, stocked with fresh produce, canned goods, baby formula, and hygiene products, operated on a simple principle: "Take what you need, give what you can." Open to anyone and available around the clock, the initiative promoted dignity, trust, and togetherness. Chiara didn’t just deliver food; she delivered consistency in a world that often lacked it.
What started as a small effort quickly grew into a neighborhood-wide movement. Residents began organizing supply drives, local businesses pitched in with donations, and community members volunteered their time to maintain and restock the stands. Over time, the initiative became a model of mutual aid — one that helped reduce tensions, strengthen neighborhood ties, and provide a stabilizing force for families in crisis.
Chiara's vision proved that community healing doesn't always start in a boardroom — it starts on the block. Through her 14621 Food Stands, she created more than a solution to hunger; she created a space for love, safety, and resilience.
Today, the spirit of that initiative lives on — in every policy she proposes, every block she walks, and every conversation she has. As Chiara Smith runs for City Councilwoman-at-Large, her track record speaks volumes: She doesn’t just talk about change — she builds it, one neighborhood at a time.
