As a young widow and single mother of two, Sheila learned the value of hard work early, supporting her family by working in city government as a community service officer for the City of Kalamazoo. Later, she worked for two major national corporations in sales.

Sheila took her management know-how to protect voter participation and defend our fair and equal participation in elections. Sheila spearheaded bi-partisan efforts to educate and encourage voter participation for such organizations as America Coming Together and The Michigan Voter Education Project. Sheila is a proud precinct delegate and a board member of the Justice Caucus, an organization that trains community activists. Sheila is also the Third Democratic Chair for the 9th Congressional District.

Smith is the proud parent to her two adult children. Sheila and her husband Steve make their home in Auburn Hills, Michigan.