Barbara Sharief facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Barbara Sharief
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| Member of the Florida Senate from the 35th district |
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| Assumed office November 5, 2024 |
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| Preceded by | Lauren Book |
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| Born | November 7, 1971 Miami, Florida, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | Miami Dade College (ASN) Florida International University (BSN, MSN) Wilkes University (DNP) |
Barbara Sharief is an American politician and a nurse. She was born on November 7, 1971. Since 2024, she has been a member of the Florida Senate. Before that, she served as a commissioner for Broward County from 2010 to 2021. She was also the mayor of Broward County twice, from 2013 to 2014 and again from 2016 to 2017. She made history as the county's first African-American female mayor. Sharief also served as a city commissioner and vice mayor in Miramar.
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Early Life and Education
Barbara Sharief was born in Miami Beach, Florida. She grew up in Miami and Broward County. She was one of eight children. Her father was a salesman, and her mother was a retired schoolteacher.
When she was 14, her father passed away. This sad event made her start working early to help her family. She attended North Miami Senior High School.
Her Journey in Nursing
After high school, Barbara Sharief studied nursing. She earned an Associate of Science in Nursing from Miami Dade Community College. She also received a diploma to become a registered nurse from Jackson Memorial Hospital School of Nursing.
Later, she continued her studies at Florida International University. There, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing. She also became an advanced registered nurse practitioner. She then earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Wilkes University.
Career
Barbara Sharief has had a successful career in both nursing and politics.
Nursing Career
After finishing her nursing studies, Sharief worked at Jackson Memorial Hospital. She then worked for a national home health agency. In 2001, she started her own company called South Florida Pediatric Homecare, Inc.
Her company helps children and adults get healthcare at home. This means they can receive the care they need without having to stay in a hospital.
Political Career
In 2009, Barbara Sharief was elected to the Miramar City Commission. She served as the vice mayor of Miramar in 2010. While on the City Commission, she gave her yearly salary to charities.
In May 2010, Sharief decided to run for the Broward County Commission. She was elected in November 2010. She represented cities like Miramar, Pembroke Pines, and Weston. In 2012, she became the vice mayor of Broward County.
Becoming Broward County Mayor
In November 2013, the County Commission chose Sharief to be Broward's first African-American female mayor. This was a big moment in the county's history. In November 2014, she was re-elected to the County Commission. She served as vice mayor again in November 2015. In November 2016, she was appointed mayor for a second time.
As a county commissioner, Sharief worked on many important boards. She was also elected President of the Florida Association of Counties in 2016.
Focus on Community Needs
Throughout her political career, Sharief focused on helping people with their money problems. She started programs to help residents avoid losing their homes. She also created "Commissioner on a Mission." This program helped older people, those facing foreclosure, and people who were unemployed.
In 2013, Sharief suggested a countywide ban on pit bulls. However, she later changed her mind. Instead, she asked for rules for dog owners and more money for animal control. Sharief also helped make sure the Pembroke Road overpass was completed. This project improved traffic flow in the area.
As mayor, Sharief helped lead the county's quick response to the Fort Lauderdale airport shooting. She is a member of the Florida Nurses Association. The Florida Nurses Political Action Committee supported her when she ran for the Florida State Senate in 2024.
Personal Life
Barbara Sharief considers her position as Broward County's first Muslim mayor very important. She uses this role to speak out against unfair ideas about Muslim people.
