My Beginnings
I was born in Jones Town, Kingston Jamaica, an area considered poor by many. We
didn’t have much—one year, we received only balloons for Christmas, but it was the
most memorable Christmas for my sister and me. At age nine, I traveled to Nassau,
Bahamas, before migrating to Overtown, Florida. I worked my way through Booker T.
Washington Middle School and Miami High School in Little Havana before graduating
from North Miami Beach Sr. High School. At age 15, I got my first job at McDonald. One day, my manager asked me to clean the bathroom. It smelled terrible, but as I cleaned, I told myself, I am not doing this for the rest of my life. That moment became my turning point. I refocused on my education and graduated high school.
My Challenges
I faced my share of challenges as a teenager, but thanks to the Miami Dade County
Youth Diversion Program and a strong community, I turned my life around. As a single
mother at 19, I knew I had to create a better future for my son. I left Miami Dade
Community College, enrolled in a vocational school for medical assistants, and
graduated with honors. Understanding the importance and value of a good education, I
went on to obtain a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration and a master’s
degree in business administration.
My Advocacy
I am a firm believer in community advocacy, especially at those times when the less
fortunate or connected will benefit. On May 29th, I received a proclamation from the
City of North Miami Beach Board of Commission, on the same day I was conferred with
an honorary Doctorate degree for my work in Advocacy. In April 2023 at the State
Capitol, my organization, Female Development World Organization Inc. (FDWO) was
recognized by Florida State Legislature, City of Miami Gardens House Representatives
and State Senator for its advocacy work in Human Trafficking awareness and
prevention.
My Belief
My journey is one of Justice, Opportunity, and Growth. Justice, for me, means
ensuring that every person has a chance to turn their life around like I did. Opportunity
means creating pathways for all to succeed, regardless of their background, gender,
color, or race. Growth means fostering a community where everyone can thrive.
My commitment to you
Miami Gardens, I stand before you today, not just as a candidate for mayor of this
amazing city but as one of you. Someone who has walked the same streets, faced
similar struggles, and overcome the odds. After living here for over 30 years, I am
running because I am confident I can inspire and execute the changes needed to make
us better and stronger. I believe that together, we can build a future rooted in Justice,
Opportunity, and Growth.
Working together, we can move more of Miami Gardens’ people out of poverty, which is
now too high at 15.5 percent. Working on the same team, we can put more of our
people into good quality jobs and move the employment rate way above the low rate of
59.8 percent.
Let’s Work Together
If the challenges of life are more than you can handle, let’s make a change for the
better. Vote for a future where every child, every senior, every family and every business has a chance to thrive. Let's make Miami Gardens a beacon of hope and progress.
If you share in the need to have Justice, Opportunity and Growth, I ask for your
support so we can do this together.
Please join my team today. clicking here.
Thank you.
Lavern Deer
Lavern is an Anti-Human Trafficking Advocate and Founder/CEO of Female Development World Organization Inc. (FDWO), The Female Development World Organization founded 2013, is a 501(c)3 organization. Ms. Deer now serves as a Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Expert Subject Matter, local and international.
During the 2018-2019 Legislative Session, FDWO and Lavern worked with Florida Legislators in proposing a Human Trafficking Education bill; as a result, a policy was adopted by the Department of Education making Florida the first state to teach Human Trafficking education in schools. She is the Founder of the Caribbean Anti-Trafficking Committee (CAC), Commissioned by Jamaica Consul General to Miami and FDWO P.L.A.Y. (Providing Leadership through Awareness to Youths) Program Creator.
in April 2023 at the State Capitol, Lavern and FDWO were recognized by
Florida State Legislature, respectively, City of Miami Gardens House Representatives and State Senators for advocacy work in Human Trafficking awareness and prevention.
With 14 year's of experience working in various roles within the government sector, her roles include serving as Chief Administrative Aide to former Broward County Commissioner Dale Holness, Sr. Programs Project Coordinator, specializing in process improvement, policy development, procurement, and contracts.
Lavern proudly serves as City of Miami Gardens District 1 Bond Oversight Committee Representative. She is an international board member for Eve For Life, a Caribbean
based organization that provides services and care to young mothers affected by HIV and Gender Based Violence. She is also a board member for the United Nations Association-Broward Chapter, where she serves as Advocacy Chair.
Lavern is also president and cofounder of Jamaica High School Alumni Sporting Network (JHSASN). JHSASN reunite past students who attended high school in Jamaica and create a platform to relive their competitive experience.