Demetria Henderson

My journey into local government began with my participation in different collegiate organizations while seeking my formal education in college, where I was naturally exposed to many different opportunities. Immediately following college, I worked in education as a middle school science teacher through Teach for America, a program that invites leaders to explore career opportunities in education, advocacy, instructional positions, and policy work. I stayed for a third year beyond my initial commitment before transitioning into public policy. My teaching experience really gave me tremendous insight into the misalignment between practice, policy, and what we know through research, which inspired me to get into local government to help create more alignment and connect the dots on things that make sense for people. For over 10 years now, I've been immersed in local government, whether organizing around issues that unite people or working with elected officials to move priorities forward that enhance quality of life. Currently, I work for the mayor of Miami-Dade County, the first woman to be mayor, where I assist in moving her priorities forward by shepherding initiatives through the Board of County Commissioners, from new services for Animal Services to infrastructure projects for water and sewer. Day-to-day, I'm helping people through core services like public safety, sidewalks, streets, transportation, parks, libraries, and beach renourishment. I appreciate the wins when I get a chance to see the fruit of my labor through enhancements to people's quality of life, which happens every day.