Senator Carter is very active in the business world serving as the CEO of various family-owned companies.

In 1986, Senator Carter was elected to the Missouri House of Representatives, 61st District, where she served six full terms and a partial term. In March of 2000 she was first elected to the Missouri Senate as the first African-American woman to represent the Fifth Senatorial District in the City of St. Louis.

Senator Carter is a member of the Senate's Insurance and Housing Committee and the Judiciary Committee. She is also vice-chairman of the Missouri Senate Democratic Party, and president of the Missouri Legislative Black Caucus Foundation. In addition, she serves as a member of the Women Legislators of Missouri and as a member of the Democratic National Committee.

In addition to her leadership positions, Senator Carter is also affiliated with many national organizations including the National Black Caucus of State Legislators, Order of Eastern Star Harmony Grand Chapter P.H.A., Inc. Phoenix Chapter No. 81, Medinah Court No. 15 Daughters of Isis, and Oasis of St. Louis Desert of Missouri. She has been committee-woman of the 27th Ward of the City of St. Louis from 1984 to the present and is former chief of staff of the 22nd Judicial Circuit.

Even with such a busy schedule, Senator Carter still finds time for spiritual growth. She is an active member of Christ Pilgrim Rest MB Church.