Hayward Smith (they/them) received their Bachelor of Science in Photography from the Southeast Center for Photographic Studies (a conglomerate between the University of Central Florida and Daytona State College). Since graduating, Hayward Smith has navigated many professional endeavors including: four years working for the NSU Art Museum, Fort Lauderdale within the Curatorial Department; owning and operating the small business of BHS Art + Photo; working as a Cataloging Assistant for the Old Florida Book Shop; and most recently as a Collections Specialist managing the archives and library at the Stonewall National Museum, Archives, & Library.

Hayward Smith is currently working on completing their Master of Art in Library and Information Science and is continuing their career in the special collections library field.

Additionally, Hayward Smith is a figure skater, avid reader, film advocate (both on screen and in camera), and last, but certainly not least, a pun enthusiast too.