Biography
Frederica S. Wilson, born on November 5, 1942, in Miami, Florida, is a dedicated public servant and educator who has represented Florida's 24th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2011. Her district encompasses parts of northern Miami-Dade and southern Broward counties, areas known for their rich ethnic and cultural diversity. Prior to her tenure in Congress, Wilson served as a state legislator and was a member of the Miami-Dade County School Board. She is widely recognized for founding the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project, a mentoring program aimed at supporting boys and young men of color.
Education and Political Experience
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Education:
- Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Fisk University, 1963
- Master of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Miami, 1972
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Political Experience:
- Member, Miami-Dade County School Board, 1992–1998
- Representative, Florida House of Representatives, 1998–2002
- Senator, Florida State Senate, 2002–2010
- U.S. Representative, Florida's 17th Congressional District, 2011–2013
- U.S. Representative, Florida's 24th Congressional District, 2013–present
Notable Achievements and Positions
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Founder and Chair:
- 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project, a mentoring program for young men of color
- Florida Ports Caucus, a bipartisan coalition supporting Florida's ports and waterways
- U.S. Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys
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Committee Assignments:
- Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development
- Member, Committee on Education and the Workforce
- Member, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
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Legislative Initiatives:
- Introduced the American Jobs Act of 2013 to promote full employment and workforce development
- Sponsored the Student Loan Borrower Bill of Rights to provide relief to student loan borrowers
- Advocated for the reauthorization of the HOPE/HELP trade preference program to support Haiti's economy
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Advocacy:
- Led efforts to combat bullying and hazing, earning the nickname "The Haze Buster"
- Championed human rights on a global scale, including advocacy for the safe return of Nigerian schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram
Congresswoman Wilson's career reflects a steadfast commitment to education, social justice, and the well-being of her constituents.
