I am the wife of a retired JSO officer and current service member in the Florida Air National Guard and mother to three adult children. Together, our family emphatically embraces faith, family, education, and service and we are excited to serve Jacksonville City Council District 8.

I am a proud Jacksonville native, specifically growing up on the city’s Northside. I am a product of Duval County Public Schools, ultimately graduating from Jean Ribault High School. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management from Florida A & M University, Master of Public Health from the University of North Florida, certification in Community Real Estate and Development from University of South Florida, and acquired an Executive Master of Public Policy from Jacksonville University, as the inaugural Minority Fellow for the Public Policy Institute.

I have served in nonprofit management for over 20 years, serving as a Chief Program Officer and Executive Director for local social services agencies, as well as owning a business management-consulting firm. I currently serve as the Chief Operations Officer for the North Florida Area Agency on Aging, also known as ElderSource, which provides services to the aging population and persons living with disabilities in the seven-county area of Northeast Florida.

As a wife, mother, small business owner, and advocate for change, I strongly believe in the transformation, growth, and empowerment of people and communities. Our city is growing and we need servant leadership that can represent and advocate for the growth we seek. I am that servant leader for District 8, and I look forward to earning your vote!

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Safer Communities

Safer communities are my highest priority. As I have talked to residents in District 8, crime is at the top of mind for many families. Crime is the result of a myriad of social ills and by addressing these challenges collaboratively, WE can solve our crime issue. When elected, I plan to engage the Sheriff to understand the specific needs of officers to help combat crime in our city. I will support investing in current technology, officer training, and community policing practices to help provide safer communities for residents and their families. I will also work with the Mayor's office and others on the City Council to provide funding to support crime prevention and intervention programs that have been proven to be effective, such as previous Jacksonville Journey programming or recommendations from the Safer Together Subcommittee. Similarly, mental health services and job training will also be a focus to help curb the issue of crime and violence in our city.

Economic Development

The current economic climate of our country is affecting many people and families, including those within District 8. Better jobs and more job opportunities are a top priority, so that residents can afford to live where and how they want and provide for themselves and their families. As a part of City Council, I would work with stakeholders to enhance our city's ability to attract businesses to our area, as well as expand local businesses' capacity to provide jobs and job advancement opportunities in our city. I would work with the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Investment Authority, Duval County Public Schools, our local colleges, and others to create a comprehensive plan to attract businesses and new talent to our great city. I would also advocate for more funding for workforce development and job placement entities to attract, develop, and retain a more skilled workforce.

Infrastructure Improvements

Our city is very broad and complex and our infrastructure challenges range from poor drainage, water management, septic tanks, aging bridges and roadways, and much more. Our growing city and environmental issues continue to compound our infrastructure challenges and the city must invest in neighborhoods to improve these issues. As a representative for District 8, I would advocate that we prioritize projects that directly contribute to the quality of life of our residents. Flooding, roadway potholes, water safety, septic tanks, and other issues faced by many in our city would receive attention and action for prompt solutions. I would work with the Mayor, City Council, and city departments to identify funding to address these issues within our District, and ensure the completion of projects in a timely, efficient, and on-budget manner.

Affordable Housing

I have served as an advocate in the affordable housing space for many years, including being certified in community real estate development from the University of South Florida and creating rental and mortgage assistance programs in our area. Affordable housing has been an issue for many in our community for years, however, the recent economic challenges have only exacerbated this issue. I would continue my advocacy in this space on the Council by working with developers and city to provide mixed-income affordable housing options. First-time home buyer, down payment assistance, and gap funding programs would also be beneficial to address the affordable housing issue.

Endorsements

Senator Tracie Davis
JAXBIZ – the nonprofit, nonpartisan political organization affiliated with JAX Chamber
Northeast Florida Association of Realtors (NEFAR)
Jacksonville National Organization for Women (Jax NOW)

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