ROCK with RHONDA

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About Me

Rhonda Rochon Smith

Candidate for 16th Connectional Secretary, Bureau of Supply

Western Episcopal District · California Annual Conference · Bay Cities District

With a heart for ministry and hands ready to serve, I offer my gifts to the Bureau of Supply—guided by faith, grounded in prayer, and strengthened by perseverance.

It would be a profound honor to serve as the 16th Connectional Secretary of the Bureau of Supply. I humbly seek your support, your prayers, and your partnership as together we strengthen the work of mission across Zion and around the world. It would be an honor to serve in this esteemed capacity, bringing more than 35 years of professional experience, dedicated volunteer service, and an unwavering commitment to servant leadership and community advancement.

As a lifelong Zionite, my roots in the Missionary Department run deep. From my earliest years, I have been actively engaged in missionary work, Lay leadership, and Christian Education. Under the leadership of Bishop Clarence Carr, I was appointed the youngest District Officer for the Bay Cities District (California Annual Conference), serving as Buds of Promise Superintendent for nine years until relocating to Ohio. Later, under Bishop Brian R. Thompson, I was appointed District President—a role I continue to fulfill faithfully under Bishop Melanie Rogers Miller.

I began attending Missionary Quadrennial Conventions at the age of 13, serving as a Youth Delegate for two quadrennums. As an adult, I have continued to represent my respective positions with pride and dedication, serving on numerous Convention Committees including Resolutions, Elections, Marshalls, and Banner, among others.

I stand on the shoulders of women who taught me to lead with faith, courage, and humility. My leadership was shaped by extraordinary Zion women, including the 15th General President Dr. Adlise Ivey Porter, Past General Recording Secretary Ida Francis, District Presidents Ollie Callahan, Bettye Chaney, Geneva Watts and my beloved mother, Mary Pearl Rochon, who served 21 years as Local President of First AME Zion Church, San Francisco. These women of God provided the knowledge and passion for my commitment for missionary work.

I bring to this candidacy a unique combination of faith-driven leadership and professional excellence, with a proven ability to build consensus, inspire collaboration, and cultivate leaders. Guided by integrity, compassion, and a heart for service, I strive to elevate others and advance the mission wherever I am called to lead.

Background

Personal & Education

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has

– Margaret Mead

Personal

I am the proud daughter of R.C. and Mary Rochon and the youngest of five children. I share a close bond with my siblings—Natalie Penn, Dr. Oliver Flewellen, Rev. Dr. Marlyn Bussey, and Rodney C. Rochon. Growing up in a proud U.S. Army family instilled in me the values of service, discipline, adaptability, and respect for people from all walks of life. Those experiences shaped my perspective and equipped me with the ability to live, work, and lead in diverse communities and environments.

Family remains one of my greatest sources of pride and motivation. I am the mother of Aundrea Smith, a projected 2026 graduate of the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine. I am also the “bonus mom” to Andre Smith, II, a rising real estate professional, and TeAundra Smith, a multi-talented entrepreneur.

Faith, family, and service continue to guide my commitment to leadership, community empowerment, and building stronger futures for the generations to come.

Degrees & Certifications

  • M.A., Organizational Leadership | Gonzaga University | Spokane, WA
  • Servant Leadership Certificate | Gonzaga University | Spokane, WA
  • M.A. Ed., Adult Education & Distance Learning | University of Phoenix | Phoenix, AZ
  • M.P.A., Administrative Organization & Management | Golden Gate University | San Francisco, CA
  • B.S. Business Administration, Management | University of San Francisco | San Francisco, CA

Ready to Serve. Proven to Lead.

I led the expansion of a major volunteer service organization across two counties—growing the Contra Costa Health Volunteer Program to more than 350 volunteers within my first three years and strengthening the volunteer infrastructure in Solano County.

I wake each morning with a compassionate heart and a courageous spirit, committed to creating meaningful change in her community.

The Vision

Rhonda Rochon Smith

I am committed to strengthening and advancing the work of the Bureau of Supply by working to:

  • Expand global and local (“glocal”) engagement opportunities
  • Build strategic partnerships with corporate and community organizations
  • Strengthen the department’s role as an evangelism and outreach tool to reach the masses
  • Foster intergenerational leadership, participation, and succession within the department

This department has the power to rise into its prophetic purpose—meeting the evangelistic heartbeat of the Church for such a time as this. The Bureau of Supply can become a doorway of invitation and inspiration—a place where people of all ages come to the table, discover the joy of serving, and encounter the transforming love of Christ through the mission of Zion.

When we elevate this department, we elevate our witness. When we serve others, we strengthen our Church.

Service Record

Leadership Rooted in Service

"Service is not what I do — it is who I am."

My leadership journey began in the fourth grade and has continued through a lifetime of elected and appointed leadership roles. Each experience has strengthened my ability to lead with clarity, accountability, and purpose.

Community & Civic Leadership

  • Board of Director, Solano County Fair Association (Appointed by District 1 Board of Supervisor)
  • Vice Chair (Elected), Contra Costa Regional Health Foundation
  • Commissioner, San Francisco Human Rights Commission (Mayoral Appointment)
  • Community Volunteer Liaison, American Red Cross (Biomedical Services)
  • Parliamentarian, NAACP Vallejo Branch #1081
  • Solano County African Family Reunion Celebration Committee, Treasurer (Elected)
  • Life Member, Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA)
  • Executive Assistant, Board of Directors, St. James Community Development Corporation
  • Solano County Election Volunteer (15 years)
  • Past Chiefs Advisory Committee Member, Vallejo Police Department (Appointed)

Organizational & Service Leadership

  • Jack and Jill of America, Inc. – Life Member | Elected Chapter President (5 years) | Program Director | Farwest Region Time & Place Chair | Chaplain | Read-A-Thon Chair
  • Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. – Member since 1989 | Social Action Co-Chair | Scholarship Chair | Ebony Fashion Show Chair | Elected Financial Secretary & Treasurer | Adopt-A-Poll Co-Chair (4 years)

Connectional Church Leadership

Service Record

  • Board of Bishops Meeting (Feb 2024) – Planning Committee & Hospitality Co-Chair
  • Leadership Institute Training / The Explosion – Planning Team
  • Communications Team

California Annual Conference

  • Secretary, Conference Trustees
  • Past Vice President, Lay Council Conference
  • Past Parliamentarian, Lay Council Conference
  • Conference Studies Instructor – Introduction to Distance Learning Series
  • Project 100 – Team Member

Bay Cities District

  • President, Women’s Home & Overseas Missionary Society
  • Past Superintendent, Buds of Promise
  • District Parliamentarian
  • Past President, Lay Council District
  • Past Treasurer, Lay Council District
  • Past Parliamentarian, Lay Council District

Connectional Committees

  • Missionary Quadriennial Committees: Resolutions | Elections | Marshals
  • A.C.E. Constitution & By-Laws Committee Member (Western Episcopal District Representative)
  • Project 100 – California Annual Conference Representative

Local Church Leadership

  • Executive Assistant to the Pastor
  • Secretary, Supply Department
  • Social Media Team
  • Virtual Usher Team
  • Altar Guild / Beautification Committee

Recognition & Presentations.

Awards

  • 2023 Woman of the Year, Congressman John Garamendi
  • 2021 Collaboration & Coalition Builder Award, Christopher Danata Colbert Foundation
  • 2019 Women Rising Award, Kyles Temple AME Zion Church, Vallejo

Notable Presentations

  • What’s Next: No Member (Person Left Behind)
  • District Officer Leadership Training
  • Navigating the Grant Landscape: Insight from Funders & Actionable Steps for Your Plan

Support

Campaign Giving Levels

Support the ROCK with Rhonda Campaign

Your generous support helps power the ROCK with Rhonda Campaign, funding outreach, campaign activities, and travel as I connect with Zionites across the Connection to share my experience, qualifications, and vision for a thriving and impactful Bureau of Supply.

Together, we are building momentum on the road to Atlanta, Georgia, for the 31st WH&OM Society Quadrennial Convention in July 2027.

The question is simple — Are you ready to ROCK with Rhonda?

Ways to Support

Contributions may be made through our secure online giving platform via Zeffy (you may select “$0” for the tip to avoid additional fees), or by mailing your contribution to:

St. James Community Development Corp.
Attn: Dr. Oliver Flewellen
825 Monte Diablo Avenue
San Mateo, CA 94401

Memo: ROCK with Rhonda Campaign

Special thanks to the St. James Community Development Corporation for generously serving as the fiscal sponsor for the ROCK with Rhonda Campaign.

one

Resourceful Giver - $25+

Planting seeds with creativity and vision.

two

Responsive Giver - $50+

Answering the call to support missionary service.

three

Reliable Giver - $100+

Standing strong in faith and commitment.

four

Results Oriented Giver - $250+

Providing steady support to sustain the mission.

five

Ready to Serve Circle - $500+

Joining Rhonda in faithful leadership and service.

Donate Now

A Servant Leader

Rhonda Rochon Smith is a dedicated servant of God with a deep passion for the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. With years of faithful service across multiple levels of the church, she brings a unique blend of experience, vision, and heart to the role of Connectional General Secretary of the Bureau of Supply.

The Vision

Rhonda envisions a Bureau of Supply that is efficient, transparent, and forward-thinking — one that equips churches, pastors, and laity with the tools they need to thrive. Her campaign, "ROCK with Rhonda," stands for Reliable, Organized, Connected, and Kingdom-focused leadership.

Why ROCK?

  • Reliable — Consistent, trustworthy, and always present.
  • Organized — Bringing structure and clarity to operations.
  • Connected — Building bridges across every district and conference.
  • Kingdom-focused — Keeping God’s mission at the center of everything.

"R.O.C.K. with Rhonda — Ready to serve. Organized for impact. Connected in mission. Kingdom-focused."

No musical talent required — just a heart to serve.