Q: Congratulations on being named a finalist for the Leadership Trailblazer Award. What does it mean to you to be nominated? 

Thank you so very much for this recognition. Being named a finalist for the League of Women in Government Trailblazer Award is an incredible blessing particularly when named amongst women who are doing amazing things for this profession and their communities. Inspiring and investing in the next generation of women in government leaders is my passion and to be recognized for this as a Trailblazer Award finalist, is proof positive we must continue to spark the generational flames of service above self.

Q: What led you to a career in public service?

I come from a family of public servants. My grandmother served more than 30 years as a public health system administrator and was a community activist who worked with local, county, and state representatives to better neighborhoods and communities throughout South Florida. My father retired after serving 30 years with Miami-Dade County public transit, my sister for the past 24 years has served in the administrative division of the police department and my brother served two terms in the United States Armed Forces Naval Branch.  Admittedly when I started my public service career, I didn’t put this all together however it explains the passion I felt then and continue today for this profession.

Q: Who were your mentor(s) or advocate(s) in your career?

I have many “tribe members” who have advocated and mentored me throughout my career.  The first was a 5’4 powerhouse of a woman, who with open arms, took me under her wing and became my workplace cheerleader. She set a bar of achievement that pushed me past my comfort level, and I excelled.  She eagerly shared knowledge, dared me to dream big and in color, talked me off the ledge when needed, advocated for me when I couldn’t for myself; her support never wavered. I’m blessed to have her, and many others continued mentorship and advocacy today.

Q: What is the most important lesson you learned while coming up in your career?

Ask for help! Earlier in my career, I felt saying “I don’t know” meant I would be perceived as incapable. Not asking for help left my teams feeling as if they weren’t needed and I burned out.  When I finally realized the strength of vulnerability, the strength in asking for help, I and my teams flourished. I began to understand that relatability is just as important if not more than reliability for success.

Q: What advice do you have for women just beginning their careers who would like to be an executive in local government someday?

I was able to work in all areas of municipal government because I wouldn’t allow myself to be boxed in one discipline. Local government has many fascinating areas worth exploring both in operations and administration. So, don’t be afraid to explore to become a well-rounded public administrator.

Q: What do you hope to leave as your legacy in local government when your career comes to an end?

I hope to leave a legacy of using my voice to cause good trouble by calling out gender pay gaps, raising awareness of CAO gender disparities, and the need to increase women in local government leadership roles.  I also hope to leave a legacy of mentorship for women and men at all levels of local government.