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

I am very humbled to have been nominated by two of the young women on my team.   Being recognized as a trailblazer is especially rewarding after 30 years of progressively responsible local government positions. At every juncture, I either encouraged other women or others encouraged and inspired me.  My journey to being a City Manager is not a typical one, and I didn’t set out to be in leadership.  My first position in the Miami-Dade Police Department was as a records specialist.  In that role, I manually entered police reports into a terminal for 10 hours a day.  After a few weeks, it was clear that I didn’t want to do that for the rest of my life.  I decided to go back to school and resume a formal education that put me on a path to success.  I pursued positions in Transit, Public Works, and Fleet Management and eventually became a Fleet Director.  Needless to say, I was often the only woman in the room and definitely the only black woman.  My journey led me to be an Assistant County Administrator, and eventually City Manager. I feel blessed that my peers and colleagues recognize my accomplishments.

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

People often forget that there was a recession in the early nineties.  Interest rates were high, and the stock market was unstable.  I was a casualty of the bankruptcy and eventual dissolution of Eastern Airlines, where I was a supervisor.   When I got laid off, I was pregnant, and my husband and I had a mortgage and two car payments.   I took a data entry job in Miami-Dade Police Department just to get by. However, after a few promotions, my love for public administration – especially in Operations, flourished.  The opportunity to serve others is what inspires me to keep going. 

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

Most of my mentors have been men and women in public leadership roles (Directors, Assistant County Managers, etc.).  They encouraged me to improve my skills and gave me opportunities to advance – even beyond my expectations.  Early in my career, this investment invigorated me to “pay it forward,” and I have used every opportunity to identify talent in others – especially women. 

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

The single most important lesson that I learned was that every experience has value, and taking jobs that others don’t necessarily gravitate toward can be extremely rewarding.  I’ve learned to strive for excellence and that being thorough sets you apart from the crowd.

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

Being an executive in local government is not an easy task, but it is gratifying.   Learn the art of collaboration, build strong relationships with others, and have the courage to do the right thing.  Sometimes, it is essential to be willing to work without reward or recognition and always help others along the way.   I have found that being intentional about my learning and growth efforts has prepared me for the future.  Investing yourself in a non-traditional role has excellent paybacks.  My guiding principles and values are trust, effectiveness, respect, responsiveness, integrity, fun, innovation, and customer satisfaction (TERRIFIC).  Don’t forget to have fun along the way – no day is complete without laughter.

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

My legacy will not be about me but about all of the women (and some men) that I have mentored, promoted, guided, and encouraged along this public administration journey.  The great work that we have accomplished, both together and apart, has positively impacted our respective communities.  I feel a sense of satisfaction when I see other women I have worked with succeed and, in turn, pay it forward.