She became the first African American elected to Cleveland Heights City Council in 1983, where she would ultimately serve as mayor.
[1] Boyd also worked with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, as well as with the Children's Defense Fund.
Boyd was originally elected to the Ohio House of Representatives in 1992, and would be reelected three times after before term limits forced her into retirement.
With Democrats retaking control of the House, Boyd would serve as Chairperson of the Health Committee for the 128th Ohio General Assembly.
Boyd faced primary opposition in 2012 for her eighth term, but defeated challenger Howard Harris, securing 91.80% of the vote.