I Am Abel Foundation is pleased to welcome Colette Blake-Smith to the Board of Directors. Colette obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from DeVry University and her Master of Science Degree in Taxation from Northern Illinois University.

She is currently the Tax Manager of Domestic Tax (US Tax) for a premier global supplier of food products to the world’s leading foodservice and retail food brands. She also works as a Tax Analyst for H&R Block She has been with HR Block for over 20 years; servicing the lower to middle income individuals/families and small business owners and she also has her own small business as an Independent Seacret Agent of Skin and Wellness Care products.

Colette is contemplating going back to school to pursue a degree in law to become a Tax Attorney. She is very passionate about wanting to be the advocate to the lower income individuals/families, young adults just entering the workforce, and the elderly; those she calls “the most vulnerable” as they usually fall victim to tax identity theft and scams. She also desires to help represent more minority-owned small business owners and clients navigate and comply with the complex tax codes and laws, so they can legally take advantage of the myriad deductions, credits, and exemptions.

Colette is married with three children and one grandson. She attends Neighborhood United Methodist Church in Maywood, IL where she is a member of the Voices of Praise Choir and the former Finance Treasurer. She was instrumental in leading the charge in helping Neighborhood United Methodist transition from manual processes to a more automated environment by implementing software and training for processing payroll, setting up direct deposit for the church’s employees, tax filings, paying vendors, etc. She enjoys quality family time, karaoke, and bowling and in her spare time.