NFBPA So.Flo Standard Newsletter September 2022

Volume IV September 2022

Inside This Issue: National Hispanic Heritage Month Members on the Move New Member Spotlights Academic Success Stories

SO.FLO STANDARD Bi-Monthly Email Newsletter

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ABOUT 2023 FORUM NFBPA Leadership Forum April 26-30, 2022 The National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBPA) is the principal and most progressive organization dedicated to the advancement of black public leadership in local and state governments. NFBPA is an independent, nonpartisan, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1983. With over 2,500 members, NFBPA has established a national reputation for designing and implementing quality leadership development initiatives of unparalleled success. Our members are leaders and managers of public programs and agencies in more than 350 jurisdictions nationwide.

Thirty-six chapters support the growth of NFBPA at the local level. We invite you to join us.

The Winter Institute is a day-and-a-half interactive conference for FCCMA full members. It is limited to 90 FCCMA members and 10 corporate attendees. It is designed to be an intense, interactive workshop for Florida’s city and county managers and assistants.

FCCMA will hold its 2023 Winter Institute February 9-10, 2023 at the Sheraton Sand Key, 1160 Gulf Boulevard, Clearwater Beach.

Dr. Philip C. Harris, President South Florida Chapter National Forum for Black Public Administrators

Dr. Philip C. Harris, President South Florida Chapter National Forum for Black Public Administrators

NFBPA South Florida celebrates and reflects on the wealth of cultural diversity of our members and local government professionals. The observation of Hispanic Heritage Week began in 1968 under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988. We observe Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15 every year. The theme for 2022 is "Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation" When we speak of Hispanic and Latino Heritage, we speak of a rich, diverse cultural legacy. From Spain to Mexico, from Panama to Puerto Rico, from Ecuador to Chile, and Peru to the United States of America, Hispanic people are wide flung. Afro-Latinos make up a majority of the population in Cuba and the Dominican Republic. In Brazil, Colombia, Panama, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Nicaragua, they form a significant minority. In terms of absolute numbers, Brazil has the largest Afro-descendant population outside of Africa.

We embrace South Florida’s multicultural communities. Diversity strengthens us as cities and county government. We will continue to design and implement quality leadership development initiatives of unparalleled success for all our members in local government, education, private sector and nonprofit professionals, executives and public managers, and to advance their career goals.

Delray Beach Arts Garage - Celebration of Music and Culture featuring Latin Grammy-winning jazz saxophonist Dr. Ed Calle On Saturday, Sept. 18 at 8 p.m. Calle is a five-time Grammy nominee and won the 2015 Latin Grammy for Best Instrumental Album. He has been featured on more than 1,200 albums and 9,000 singles with the likes of Frank Sinatra, Celia Cruz, Gloria Estefan, Rihanna, and many more big names. Performing alongside his band of some of South Florida’s best studio musicians, Calle will play a blend of smooth jazz, AfroCuban jazz, and new songs.

Tickets are available for purchase now.

On display from September 15th to October 21st.

On display from September 15- October 21, 2022 at Northwest Regional Exhibit Space (located in Northwest Regional Library) and the North Regional/Broward College Library 2nd floor Gallery.

Come view amazing and vibrant work from local Latinx artists as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage month!

En La Florida features the work of Carla Acosta, Stella Castro, Maria Deluka, Ricky G, Katherine Gerasin, Sara Marcano, Virginia Marvel, Tita Millán, Jonias Riviera, Jamie Ricardo Rodriguez and Carlos Solano.

THE EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE was established in 1987 as a program dedicated to grooming African American managers for the rigors of executive positions in public service organizations. Understanding the array of critical problems faced by cities, counties, and states – the need for talented, energetic, creative, resourceful, and capable executives from diverse backgrounds is increasingly present. ELI was established to sharpen the skills and capabilities of an elite core of managers and administrators who have already demonstrated superior achievement in their careers as assistant city managers, department heads, bureau/division chiefs, and the like. This program is one of the few training institutes in the United States that offers a curriculum mixed with both academic-based theory and practitioner-based experience through partnerships with universities and cities throughout the county. The ability to compare the impacts of urban development, transportation policy, economic development strategies and other public policies in a select group of cities over an eight-month period is unique to ELI participants. Candidates also have an exceptional opportunity to interface with elected and appointed administrators from across the country who grapple with diverse public policy decisions daily, citizens who live in these communities, and universities that study and analyze public management application and theory.

Application Deadline September 15, 2022 Website: www.nfpba.com/programs/eli

The leaders of the City of Lauderdale Lakes cares about the employees and their physical and mental wellbeing. On June 15, 2022, the City launched a wellness program comprised of seven staff members from various departments managing the program. The Wellness Committee’s mission and vision is to promote physical activity, and wellness and encourages everyone to “Get out and be active.”

The Wellness Committee was charged with introducing programs to help staff adopt and maintain healthy behaviors and motivate employees to be active.

This includes getting proper sleep, physical activity, and maintaining a healthy diet. These healthy behaviors will lead to reduced stress, lower health risks and improved life satisfaction.

City leaders know that even when employees are present at work, they may not work productively, especially if they are in poor health. The implementation of the wellness program will assist in improving employee work performance and encouraging staff to live healthy and balanced lives. Better health leads to healthier mental and physical attitudes about work, and a better overall lifestyle. Healthy employees are more productive, happier, less stressed, and work with increased morale.

Support is vital for the success of any program. The City of Lauderdale Lakes’ Wellness Program provides social support, tools, and strategies to aid employees adopt and maintain these healthy behaviors. With this support, employees are more excited about physical activity, eating healthy and living a more balanced lifestyle. Employees are also more excited about coming to work, being productive and engaging with their coworkers and their customers.

They do all of this because they enjoy the benefits that come from working in an active, balanced and healthy workforce. At the City of Lauderdale Lakes, we know that healthy, happy and engaged employees are key to work life balance and the municipality’s success!

2022-2023 EXECUTIVE BOARD

Incentive to Students Who SIGN UP for this Event: Event attendees can become a member of the ICMA National and Student Chapter at NSU for free, sign up here(see joining instructions here).

Use the NSU Approval Code during sign up: NVSE2022COL.

Join Us for HBCU Night!

Join the NFBPA Maryland Chapter for their Annual HBCU Night!

Wednesday, September 8th | 7:00PM EST This panel will discuss the hottest topic around town the settlement of the HBCU lawsuit against the state of Maryland.

Featured will be three panelists with firsthand knowledge of the history, the judicial, and the legislative aspects of the lawsuit which resulted in the unprecedented court approved monetary award ($577 million) to settle this case.

Participants are encouraged to wear school apparel or otherwise show their school pride!

Panelists

David Burton Co-Founder & President Coalition for Equity and Excellence in Maryland Higher Education

Dr. Earl Richardson President Emeritus Morgan State University

Michael Jones Lead Attorney for Plantiffs (Coalition for Equity & Excellence in Maryland Higher Education)

Join Now on Zoom Meeting ID: 885 5770 6933 Password: 275939

SOUTH FLORIDA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Melanie D. Williams, B.H.S. Broward County Human Services Department

I have been a member of NFBPA starting 03/29/2019.

My membership in this dynamic organization has been nothing other than amazing! Beginning this membership as an unemployed student pursuing my B.A. in Liberal Studies with a minor in Psychology at Barry University, my vision has always been to be a Leading Black Professional Woman with a career in Public Administration. I worked on it, but I was missing something. Since joining NFBPA, many Professional Leaders have embraced me! This organization of Professional Development has expanded my career goal knowledge and ideas. This is the network and mentoring that I have been missing. The Executive Team present their level of Public Service Professionalism at its best, which is inspiring and motivational for all joining members. The top is where the impact starts!

The relationship building, networking, mentorship, inspiration, motivation, and professional impact from the NFBPA while studying, I have been inspired to advocate for Miami Children Initiatives (Previous Board Member); I have been volunteering my time on the South Florida Chapter Marketing and Events Committees.

Through the NFBPA South Florida Chapter connection, I was able to gain employment with Broward County Human Services Department, Family Success Administration Division, Housing Options Service Team as a Behavioral Health Specialist. I’m preparing for the Master of Public Administration, Department of Public Policy and Administration at Florida International University!

Not forgotten, but I would love to include that I am a proud member of the O.E.S. San Salvador Chapter, State of Florida, and Jurisdiction, Prince Hall Affiliated!

I am productively elevating with continuing my NFBPA experience. This is just the beginning of my journey!

MEET ICMA FELLOW

Hi everyone!

My name is Laura McCoy and I recently graduated with a masters from Florida International University’s Public Administration program. Currently, I am completing a two-year fellowship with the City of Fort Lauderdale after ranking as a finalist for the International City/County Management Association’s (ICMA) “Local Government Management Fellowship" program. As a Senior Management Fellow, I work under the City Manager’s Neighbor Support Division to provide quality service and support to all residents of Fort Lauderdale. Working in this position grants me exposure to exercise my passion of helping others and making a difference in the communities I serve. As I develop my professional career, I seek to network and partner with dedicated, enthusiastic, and passionate public administrators facilitating change in local government. Please feel free to contact me through any of the mediums below.

LAURA MCCOY, MPA, ICMA FELLOW CITY OF FORT LAUDERDALE

Affiliations: National Forum for Black Public Administrators, Member Professional Development Committee International City/County Management Association, Member

ACADEMIC SUCCESS STORY MIA PLAGMANN Mia Plagmann recently graduated from the Master of Public Administration program at Florida International University (FIU). She served as the 2021-2022 ICMA Student Chapter (ICMA@FIU) President at FIU and led a talented, dynamic Executive Board to grow an involved student organization and resource.

MIA PLAGMANN, MPA

“After finishing my first master’s degree abroad in 2019, I identified a roadblock, particularly for students, to access needed resources such as networks, best practice guidance, job opportunities in my field of interest, and more. I was inspired to grow the foundation of the ICMA Student Chapter so that students can utilize it as an effective resource to acquire opportunities in our current systems and competitive markets. I hope to continue to provide such initiative and determination to my diverse career interests in domestic governance.”

ACADEMIC SUCCESS STORY JEPHERY G. FRANCIS Jephery G. Francis is a recent Spring 22 graduate of the Master of Public Administration program at Florida International University. He is also completed a certificate in Urban Policy Innovations at Florida International University. He has undergraduate degrees from FIU’s Bachelor of Public Administration program and Florida State University’s Bachelor of Science in Management program.

JEPHERY G. FRANCIS

Jephery’s community and organizational involvement includes Pi Alpha Alpha National Honor Society for Public Affairs and Administration at FIU, The International City/County Management Association, The American Society For Public Administrators, The National Forum for Black Public Administrators, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. Also, he has a full-time role as the Senior Grants Administration Assistant for The Community Investments team at The Miami Foundation. This position plays a central role in supporting The Miami Foundation’s Donor Advised Fund grants, processing payments, acknowledging gifts received for funds, and providing broad administrative support for the Department’s activities. When he’s not working in his public service career or participating in organization involvement he is an entrepreneur. Jephery is coowner of a yacht concierge service company Meet Me At The Docks Miami, LLC and co-owner of an event & marketing company Live Noctrnl, LLC. Overall, Jephery has a passion for public service and wants to help the community of Miami-Dade County and South Florida to continue to progress with social equity and urban policy.

Hosted by

LEADERSHIP SUMMIT 2022

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Friday, October 21, 2022 Summit: 10:00AM - 5:00PM * Networking Mixer 5:00PM-8:00PM

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