Tanuke “Tangi” Y. Smith

Tanuke “Tangi” Y. Smith is the Founder and Executive Director of the Texas Federation of the People Foundation. She is a Houston community leader, reentry advocate, civic organizer and workforce-development professional with more than 25 years of experience advancing underserved communities.

Tangi’s commitment to service began in Cuney Homes. Her grandmother, Olivia Sholars, and community leader Ruby Mosley taught her how to organize people, coordinate resources and respond to community needs. After Hurricane Alicia struck Houston in 1983, Tangi helped assess damage across all 534 apartments in Cuney Homes and distribute food, medicine, infant supplies and emergency resources.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in history with a minor in journalism and a Master of Public Administration from Texas Southern University. Her communications experience includes serving as a digital editor and assignment manager for the TSU Herald and co-authoring an article published in the Forward Times.

Her leadership record includes serving as Chair of the KPFT Community Advisory Board and rising from member to Vice President of the Texas Organizing Project. She has organized women’s healing groups, taught job-readiness skills, supported public demonstrations, worked with elected officials and helped residents turn lived experience into public action.

In 2016, Tangi began developing the foundation and operating framework for TXFPF. Under her leadership, the organization has connected Texans with employment support, reentry services, civic education, youth development, emotional-wellness programs, emergency assistance and community resources.

Today, Tangi leads the Texas Restore Act campaign, a statewide effort seeking a fair, petition-based path to record relief for eligible Texans. Her work centers on helping people secure employment, obtain stable housing, reunite with their families and participate fully in community life.