The ABQ Accent | EP 42 - Phia Smith

Episode 42 of the The ABQ Accent podcast, hosted by City of Albuquerque - Office of Civic Engagement, titled "The ABQ Accent | EP 42 - Phia Smith" was published on February 18, 2026 and runs 32 minutes.

February 18, 2026 ·32m · The ABQ Accent

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Summary

Phia Smith, Executive Director, Somos Unidos FoundationPhia so elegantly brings both the “head and the heart” to her work and has a genuine presence that encourages the belief that she is capable of truly big things. As she spoke about her trajectory into this ED position, “Tia Phia: relays her deep faith in how building relationships is the core of it all – both her emotional, very lively human experience with others, and her work of uplifting young athletes. But – it’s not actually about sport, as you’ll hear. The Academy under the Foundation is the only fully scholarshiped program in the USL(!) and seeks to provide the best path forward for those players, never loosing sight of the possibilities that mentorship and emotional intelligence can bring forth in young folks. Phia is that person that centers their needs and the needs of the larger community. She amplifies the work of other organizations, coordinates unique Academy events (see: TOPSoccer), and represents the Somos Unidos spirit in a powerful, hopeful way. Learn more about where Vintage United comes in, why experimentation in the nonprofit sector is important, and why Phia “moves for joy” across New Mexico and wants others to join her.

Episode Description

Phia Smith, Executive Director, Somos Unidos Foundation

Phia so elegantly brings both the “head and the heart” to her work and has a genuine presence that encourages the belief that she is capable of truly big things. As she spoke about her trajectory into this ED position, “Tia Phia: relays her deep faith in how building relationships is the core of it all – both her emotional, very lively human experience with others, and her work of uplifting young athletes. But – it’s not actually about sport, as you’ll hear. The Academy under the Foundation is the only fully scholarshiped program in the USL(!) and seeks to provide the best path forward for those players, never loosing sight of the possibilities that mentorship and emotional intelligence can bring forth in young folks. Phia is that person that centers their needs and the needs of the larger community. She amplifies the work of other organizations, coordinates unique Academy events (see: TOPSoccer), and represents the Somos Unidos spirit in a powerful, hopeful way. Learn more about where Vintage United comes in, why experimentation in the nonprofit sector is important, and why Phia “moves for joy” across New Mexico and wants others to join her.