Rori Smith: Founder & Owner, Bunni Enterprises, LLC
Rori Smith is a versatile professional with a diverse background and a passion for communication and service. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from Louisiana State University (LSU), where she was an active member of the Society of Professional Journalists (Sigma Delta Chi). During her time at LSU, Rori showcased her writing skills as a staff writer for the LSU Office of Public Relations and the Shreveport Times. She also excelled in her role as an assistant news director for KLSU and achieved recognition as a Miss LSU pageant finalist.
Born at The George Washington University hospital in Washington, D.C., Rori completed her high school education at Seneca Valley High School in Montgomery County, Maryland. Following her graduation, she embarked on a dynamic career journey that led her to various exciting roles.
Rori's professional trajectory took an unexpected turn when she transitioned into the world of politics and media. Initially, she anchored television news and weather at WAFB-TV (CBS) in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. However, her career path quickly shifted when she accepted a position as a legislative correspondent on Capitol Hill. This opportunity paved the way for her to serve as a political press secretary and director of outreach for the 2001 former Florida Secretary of State who successfully won a U.S. Congressional seat.
Rori's contributions and influence in her field were acknowledged when she was recognized as one of the most influential leaders in the Gulf Coast Business Review's 40 Under 40 in Sarasota, Florida. Subsequently, she became the spokesperson for the 2004 RNC presidential convention in New York City before being appointed as the Associate Director of External Affairs for the National Credit Union Administration within the White House.
While maintaining her connection with Delta Air Lines, Rori currently serves as a flight attendant based in Atlanta. She also acts as a corporate instructor, sharing her expertise in flight attendant safety and customer experience with Delta's global workforce of over 20,000 professionals. Her extensive travels have allowed her to promote Delta's commitment to exceptional customer service and FAA safety training worldwide. Throughout her tenure at Delta, Rori has taken on various roles, including project manager for customer satisfaction and flight attendant recruiter.
During the merger of Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines in 2008, Rori played a crucial managerial role in flight attendant training operations in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Rori remains actively involved with LSU, exemplifying her dedication to her alma mater. She currently serves on the Global Board of Directors of the LSU Alumni Association and has been a valued member of the LSU Cook Hotel and Conference Center Board of Managers since 2018. In her capacity as a Board Manager, she spearheaded the "Cook Clean" initiative, redefining the hotel's cleaning and safety standards during the Covid pandemic. In 2016-2020, Rori was honored to serve as the master of ceremonies for the LSU Alumni Association Hall of Distinction, an annual banquet that recognizes LSU's most distinguished alumni.
With her vast knowledge in customer service, hospitality, and communication, Rori continues to make a lasting impact in her various professional roles and remains committed to excellence in all her endeavors.