A strong advocate for the poor, minority, and disenfranchised across the State of Ohio, Senator Smith has demonstrated her genuine concern for the socially and economically disadvantaged through the bills she has endorsed and introduced as a legislator. As a member of the Senate Health, Human Services, and Aging Committee for the 128th General Assembly, she will continue to focus on the critical issue of the health care disparity that affects disadvantaged minority communities of all races and socio-economic statuses, while simultaneously addressing the need to provide affordable health care for all Ohioans. Senator Smith is also hard at work to catalyze the revival of jobs and industry for Ohio’s workers in difficult fiscal times, as a member of the Senate Finance Committee. In addition to serving as Assistant Minority Leader’ Smith Serves on the States Finance Committee ,Health Committee, Criminal Justice, Reference, and Rules Committees.

Senator Smith began her career not in government but in the field of sales and marketing. She also worked as a radio talk-show host for a major radio station in Cleveland, before moving on to television. Working for a network affiliate, she served in a variety of capacities, including promotions, production and public relations. While working for the radio station, Senator Smith interviewed prominent politicians and community leaders discussing a range of government and community-based issues.

She has been featured in Cleveland Magazine for her achievements as a legislator and in the Crusader Newspaper for her work to halt Ohio’s application of the death penalty. She has also appeared live as a featured guest on the Fox News Network’s “The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet” and on MSNBC, advocating for the passage of Ohio Senate Bill 197, the ‘Second Chance Bill.’

In May 2006, she was presented with the Legislator of the Year award for her work in the field of dental hygiene. Senator Smith attended the Kennedy School of Government program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government and Harvard University as a Fannie Mae Foundation Fellow. She currently serves on the Board for the Chairman’s Leadership Forum, and as the State Director for the Women Legislators’ Lobby (Will).

For the past seven years, in addition to her position in the state legislature, Senator Smith has served as an independent consultant for Coca-Cola Bottling Company.