We recently had the chance to connect with Muriel Smith and have shared our conversation below.
Muriel, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I usually get into the office ahead of my staff so that I can plan my day. I answer emails, check my calendar for appointments, and prepare for them.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Muriel Smith, Executive Director at St. Louis Area Diaper Bank. We are a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring that every baby and menstruator in our region has access to the basic items they need to thrive—diapers, period supplies, and dignity. What makes our work unique is that we don’t just distribute products; we partner with over 70 local organizations to integrate these supplies into broader social services, amplifying our impact and addressing the root causes of poverty. I’m deeply committed to breaking down barriers to health, education, and economic opportunity by meeting these most basic needs. Right now, we’re expanding our programs to reach more families than ever, advocating for policy changes, and building community awareness around diaper need and period poverty. Our mission is simple but powerful: when basic needs are met, people have the freedom to focus on their futures.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
I think bonds between people break when trust is broken and respect is lost. When we stop believing in each or stop honoring each other’s humanity. Sometimes it’s caused by a single hurtful moment, other times by small things that pile up. What restores those bonds is choosing to show up again—with honesty, humility, and a willingness to listen. Trust returns when our words match our actions, and respect returns when we treat each other as whole people with thoughts, feelings and emotions. When we stop demonizing the other person. It’s not quick work, but when it happens, the connection often comes back stronger than before.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes—last year, when I was working to pass the sales tax exemption bill for diapers and period supplies, it felt like the end of a long and exhausting road. I, along with others, had been pushing for this legislation for three or four years, and last year we came incredibly close. But despite all our effort, circumstances beyond our control got in the way. As hard as I fought, it became clear it wasn’t going to happen. We had the time, we had the momentum, and yet the bill stalled. It was heartbreaking. I remember thinking, I’m done. I can’t go through this again next year just to be disappointed—and to disappoint everyone counting on it.
But I did come back. This year, I pushed even harder, explored new strategies, and found fresh avenues to get it done. I leaned on my colleagues and our partners, and we worked together with consistency and focus. And this time—it passed!
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
This is an odd response, but the person that comes to mind is Dolly Parton! I don’t know her personally, but I have always admired her as a person, a performer, and as a community-minded individual. Her libraries are a great example of how one person’s vision can create lasting change. She uses her platform not just to entertain, but to give back in meaningful ways—supporting literacy, disaster relief, and countless other causes. I admire her authenticity, generosity, and the way she stays true to her roots while making an impact on a global scale.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Yes, because I don’t do anything (most things in life) for praise or recognition. I do them because they are the right things to do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://stldiaperbank.org/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/murielsmith/
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