Ashley Marie Smiley aka Smiley is a native AfroFranciscan holding a B.A. in Performing Arts and Social Justice, an M.A. in Drama and is currently a PhD candidate in the Historical and Cultural Studies Department with a concentration in Art and Religion at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, CA. In her current role as the Program Manager for the Bayview Opera House Ruth Williams Memorial Theater Smiley draws upon her 16+ year background as a Production Manager, Stage Manager, etc to activate the programming, promotion, marketing, community development and public relations that are helping to align BVOH as an organization dedicated to preserving, cultivating and celebrating Black Arts and Culture in San Francisco. Creatively, Smiley is a member of the Board of Directors for The Living Earth Show, a tenured member of the Campo Santo Familia, a commissioned artist with the Magic Theater and an inaugural member of the JANGA's House cohort of Black Women creatives led by Dr. Ayodele Nzinga and Cat Brooks . Currently Smiley is working on her debut triptych theatre-film hybrid, Dirty White Teslas Make Me Sad. Smiley is excited, humbled and honored by the opportunity to serve as the President of the Board of Directors for the Performing Arts Workshop.