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 Muhammad Sharief (born November 7, 1971) is an American politician and nurse. She has been a member of the Florida Senate since 2024. Before this, she served as a commissioner for Broward County from 2010 to 2021. During her time as commissioner, she was 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.
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 sold clothes for a living, and her mother was a retired schoolteacher. In 1985, when Barbara was 14, her father passed away. Barbara started working soon after to help her family.
She went to North Miami Senior High School. After high school, she studied nursing. She earned a degree from Miami Dade Community College. She also got a diploma to become a registered nurse from Jackson Memorial Hospital School of Nursing. Later, she earned more advanced nursing degrees from Florida International University. She then completed her highest nursing degree from Wilkes University.
Career
Nursing Career
After finishing her studies, Barbara Sharief worked at Jackson Memorial Hospital. She also worked for a company that provides healthcare at home. In 2001, she started her own company called South Florida Pediatric Homecare, Inc. This company helps children and adults get medical care in their own homes. This means they don't always have to stay in a hospital.
Political Career
In 2009, Barbara Sharief was elected to the Miramar City Commission. This is a group that helps run the city of Miramar. In 2010, she served as the vice mayor of Miramar. While working for the city, she gave her yearly salary to charities.
In May 2010, she decided to run for a seat on the Broward County Commission. This commission helps manage Broward County. In November 2010, she was elected to represent several cities. These included Miramar, Pembroke Pines, Weston, Southwest Ranches, Hallandale Beach, Pembroke Park, and West Park.
In 2012, she became the vice mayor of Broward County. Then, in November 2013, the County Commission chose her to be the mayor of Broward County. She was the first African-American woman to hold this position. In November 2014, she was re-elected to the County Commission. She became vice mayor again in 2015 and was re-appointed mayor for a second time in 2016.
As a county commissioner, Sharief worked on many important groups. She was part of the Broward County Metropolitan Planning Organization. She also served on committees for the National Association of Counties. In 2016, she was elected President of the Florida Association of Counties. She is also a member of other groups like the Urban League of Broward County.
During her time in politics, Barbara Sharief focused on helping people with their money. She started programs to help people avoid losing their homes. She also created a program called "Commissioner on a Mission." This program helped older people, those facing foreclosure, and people who were unemployed. She also helped get the Pembroke Road overpass finished. As mayor, she helped lead the county's response to the Fort Lauderdale airport shooting.
Personal Life
Barbara Sharief has said that she has not visited a mosque since she was a teenager. However, she believes her position as Broward County's first Muslim mayor can help fight against unfair ideas about Muslim people.
