Nadine Smith is an LGBT activist and has been the executive director of Equality Florida since its inception in 1997 and serves as a legislative lobbyist, living in Tallahassee during session. In 1986, Smith served on the founding board of the . Smith has been recognized as a national leader by organizations including: National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, Human Rights Campaign, , National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and the . In 1991, Smith was the first openly lesbian African-American to run for Tampa City Council, earning the most votes in the primary and garnering 42% in the run-off.