How long have you been an FCCMA member, and why did you join?
I have always been aware of the importance of networking. The first time I joined FCCMA was in 2019, when I was a graduate student at the University of Central Florida (UCF). I had a lapse in membership in 2020 during the pandemic, and I rejoined on March 11, 2021, before I got my first job in local government.
Are you an ICMA member? Why did you join, and how long have you been a member?
I joined ICMA in 2019, and I became a member when I learned about the ICMA Local Government Management Fellowship through my own research. I got my start in local government as a Fellow at the City of Fort Lauderdale. I had the amazing opportunity to manage many citywide programs and focus on developing my leadership skills. My ICMA membership was free because I was involved in the ICMA student chapter at UCF. ICMA also provided me with free membership for two years because of my Fellowship status, and I am so appreciative of the organization supporting my local government journey since 2019.
Please describe your areas of formal/advanced education (if applicable).
Like a lot of local government leaders, I have a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. Both of my degrees are from UCF.
Why did you select a career in public service?
I have always worked in public service. My public service career started out as an educator at Orange County Public Schools in Orlando. I have also worked at Lake County Schools, and then I transitioned to a career in local government. Teachers make great local government employees.
Please tell us about your current position and give a brief job description if you are not a City Administrator/Manager.
I love my job, and I believe I have found my calling! I am the Professional Standards Program Manager at the City of Fort Lauderdale where I investigate claims of discrimination, harassment and other protected characteristics. I also serve as the City’s ADA administrator, and I administer reasonable accommodations for our staff members who need them. I am working to bring implicit bias training and a 24/7 employee hotline to the City. It’s a lot of work, but I enjoy making a difference for our staff.
If you could give one piece of advice to people interested in a career in public service, what would it be?
One piece of advice that I will give to people interested in public service or local government is to choose an organization that is committed to your personal and professional growth. This includes allowing you to have opportunities to network and attend conferences.
Who were your mentors and how have you passed this information down to other aspiring public administrators?
My boss, Greg Chavarria, who is the City Manager at the City of Fort Lauderdale, has become one of the biggest champions in my professional career. He is a mentor through and through, so he cannot help but give me great advice. Junia Robinson who works as the Assistant Neighbor Support Manager at the City of Fort Lauderdale is another mentor, and I always consult with her before making career decisions. MPA students and recent graduates often reach out to me about the Fellowship Program, and I try my best to help them become fellows because it really is a great opportunity to get your foot in the door to local government. I authored an article titled How to Get Your First Job in Local Government, which was published in PM Magazine.
Do you have a story you can share about how being a member of FCCMA has helped you or impacted you in a positive way?
I am so grateful for my membership in FCCMA. Last year, I won the Past President’s Scholarship Award, and the way that FCCMA celebrated me as an emerging leader has really moved me. I want to provide an excellent annual conference experience for other first-time attendees, so I am volunteering on the Conference Planning Committee. Please expect another great FCCMA Annual Conference!
