Barbara Sharief

Barbara Sharief is a prominent American politician and nurse currently serving as a member of the Florida State Senate, representing District 35. A member of the Democratic Party, she has a long history of public service, including her tenure as a Broward County commissioner and her notable role as the county's first African-American female mayor. Born on November 7, 1971, Sharief has built a career that combines her professional expertise in nursing with her commitment to community service and public policy.

Early life and career

Barbara Sharief was born in Miami Beach, Florida, and spent her formative years in both Miami and Broward County. She is one of eight children, raised by a self-employed clothing salesman and a retired schoolteacher. The family faced significant challenges early on, particularly after the tragic death of her father, James Muhammad Sharief, who was murdered during a robbery when Barbara was just 14 years old. This event profoundly impacted her life, prompting her to enter the workforce to help support her family.

Sharief attended North Miami Senior High School, where she completed her secondary education. Following high school, she pursued a career in nursing, earning an Associate of Science in Nursing from Miami Dade Community College. She furthered her education by obtaining a registered nurse diploma from Jackson Memorial Hospital School of Nursing. Her academic journey continued at Florida International University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a Master of Science in Nursing, and an advanced registered nurse practitioner certification. Additionally, she achieved a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Wilkes University, solidifying her expertise in the healthcare field.

In her professional career, Sharief began working at Jackson Memorial Hospital and later joined a national home health agency. In 2001, she founded South Florida Pediatric Homecare, Inc., a company dedicated to providing home healthcare services for children and adults who require medical attention but prefer to receive care in the comfort of their homes rather than in a hospital setting.

Legislative service

Sharief's political career began in 2009 when she was elected to the Miramar City Commission. She quickly ascended to the role of vice mayor in 2010. During her time on the City Commission, she demonstrated a commitment to her community by donating her annual salary to various charitable organizations. In May 2010, she announced her candidacy for the Broward County Commission District 8 seat, which was being vacated at the time. By November 2010, she was elected to represent the residents of several cities, including Miramar, Pembroke Pines, and Hallandale Beach.

Sharief's influence in local government grew as she was appointed vice mayor of Broward County in 2012. In November 2013, she made history by becoming Broward County's first African-American female mayor, a position she held again from 2016 to 2017 after being re-elected. Throughout her tenure as a county commissioner, Sharief participated in various boards and committees, including the Broward County Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Health Steering Committee for the National Association of Counties. In 2016, she was elected President of the Florida Association of Counties, further establishing her leadership within the state.

Her legislative work has focused on addressing the financial health of her constituents, particularly during economic downturns. She initiated programs aimed at providing foreclosure assistance and addressing unemployment issues. One of her notable initiatives was the "Commissioner on a Mission" program, which concentrated on the needs of the elderly and those facing financial hardships. Sharief also proposed a countywide ban on pit bulls, although she later shifted her focus to advocating for regulations on dog ownership and increased funding for animal control.

As mayor, Sharief played a critical role in managing the immediate response to significant events, including the Fort Lauderdale airport shooting. Her leadership during crises has been a defining aspect of her public service. In addition to her political roles, she has been active in various organizations, including the Florida Nurses Association, which endorsed her during her campaign for the Florida State Senate in 2024.

Policy focus and district

In her current role as a member of the Florida State Senate, Sharief represents District 35, which encompasses a diverse range of communities. Her policy focus continues to reflect her commitment to healthcare, economic stability, and community welfare. As a nurse and healthcare professional, she emphasizes the importance of accessible healthcare services and advocates for policies that support the health and well-being of her constituents.

Sharief's legislative priorities include addressing issues related to public health, economic development, and social equity. She has been involved in initiatives aimed at improving healthcare access and affordability, particularly for vulnerable populations. Her background in nursing informs her approach to healthcare policy, as she seeks to bridge the gap between medical services and community needs.

In addition to healthcare, Sharief is dedicated to fostering economic growth within her district. She has worked on programs designed to assist residents in overcoming financial challenges, particularly in the wake of economic downturns. Her efforts to provide foreclosure assistance and support for unemployed individuals demonstrate her commitment to the financial health of her constituents.

Sharief's district is characterized by its diversity, and she aims to represent the interests of all residents, including those from various cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. Her engagement with community organizations and local leaders reflects her dedication to understanding and addressing the unique needs of her constituents.

Throughout her career, Barbara Sharief has maintained a focus on public service, leveraging her professional background in nursing to inform her legislative priorities. Her journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a prominent political figure exemplifies her commitment to her community and her dedication to improving the lives of those she serves. As she continues her tenure in the Florida State Senate, Sharief remains an influential voice in advocating for policies that promote health, economic stability, and social equity within her district and beyond.