Biographical Information
City of Residence: Tallahassee
Occupation: Consultant
Spouse: Nina Ashenafi of Ethiopia
Child(ren): Carina, Aida
Education: Florida State University, B.S., Psychology, 1978; University of West Florida, M.A., Counseling, Psychology, 1979; Florida State University, M.S., Psychology, 1983
Born: October 8, 1956, Jacksonville, FL
Religious Affiliation: African Methodist Episcopal
Recreational Interest: racquetball, snorkeling
Legislative Service
Elected to the House in 2000, reelected subsequently
House Democratic Caucus Chair 2004-2006
House Democratic Caucus Vice Chair 2002-2004
Other Public Services
City of Tallahassee, Code Magistrate 1999-2004
Judicial Qualifications Commission 1999-2000
Leon County School Board 1990-1996, Chair 1993-1995
Affiliations
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Life Member
Capital City Democratic Women's Club
Capital Tiger Bay Club
Gadsden County Chamber of Commerce
HCA/Capital Regional Medical Center, Board of Directors
Leadership Florida
Leadership Tallahassee
March of Dimes
NAACP, Life Member
Tallahassee Area Chamber of Commerce, Board Member
Tallahassee Urban League, Board Member
Tuskegee Neighborhood Association, President
Wachovia Bank, N.A., Advisory Board Member
Frontiers International Inc., President 2000
National Women's Political Caucus, Florida, Tallahassee Chapter, President 2000
Children's Home Society, past Member
Leon Sickle Cell Foundation, past Member
Highlights
Developmental Disabilities Council, Legislative Appreciation Award 2004
Educational Testing Service (ETS), Educational Excellence Award 2004
Florida School Boards Association Legislator of the Year 2002, 2001
Florida Association of School Social Workers Legislator of the Year 2001
The Trust for Public Land Legislative Leadership Award 2001
Frontiers Yokefellow of the Year Award 2000
Deputy Director Cabinet Affairs, Office of the Governor 1995-1999
Florida International Volunteer Corps, Outstanding Achievement Award 1997
Frontiers International External Service Award 1995
Cabinet Aide, Florida Department of Education 1993-1994
NAACP Black Achiever 1993
School Psychologist, Gadsden School District 1983-1993
Interim Executive Director, Accountability Commission 1991
Outstanding Practice in School Psychology Award 1985
March of Dimes Volunteer of the Year Award 1983