Nana Asante-Smith has been named to North Carolina Lawyers Weekly’s “50 Most Influential Women” list, recognising her leadership and contributions to the state’s legal and business communities.
The annual awards highlight women leaders across North Carolina who demonstrate leadership, business acumen, mentoring and community involvement.
Asante-Smith specialises in internal and governmental investigations, white-collar and business litigation, and cases involving allegations of sex discrimination at colleges and universities.
She has represented clients in sectors including financial services, healthcare, manufacturing and education.
Her career also includes experience as a Wake County Assistant District Attorney, where she prosecuted a wide range of cases.
Beyond her legal practice, Asante-Smith has held a number of leadership and community roles. She currently serves on the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority Board and the Board of Visitors at North Carolina Central University, as well as the Durham YMCA advisory board.
She has previously chaired the Durham Mayor’s Council for Women, led organisations representing Black attorneys in North Carolina and Durham, and served on the board of directors of Duke University’s alumni network in the Triangle region.
North Carolina Lawyers Weekly will honour Asante-Smith and the other award recipients at a ceremony in October 2026.
