Monica Smiley, a native of Bay City, earned a bachelor's degree in journalism from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois. She worked as a newspaper reporter and editor, as well as a magazine and newsletter editor and publisher. Beginning in 1978, Smiley was employed by Photo Marketing Association International of Jackson where she was promoted to Director of Communications and Editor and Publisher of Photo Marketing magazine. She resigned her position at Photo Marketing Association in 1984 to assist in the establishment of impact Publishing Company of Jackson, where she serves as vice-president.
An outspoken feminist, Ms. Smiley has been active in the women's movement. She held a variety of leadership positions in the Jackson Chapter of the Michigan Conference of the National Organization for Women. From 1979 to 1981, she was president of the Jackson Chapter. At the state level she served as conference secretary, co-editor of the Michigan NOW Times, and administrative vice-president. She was elected to the presidency of the Michigan Conference of NOW in 1983.
From the guide to the Monica Smiley Papers, 1982-1984, (Bentley Historical Library University of Michigan)
