Blog

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's. 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