My Story

My parents, as immigrants, moved to Miami for a promise of a better life for themselves and especially for me. Just like millions of other families entering the United States, they were allowed to enter with only thirty dollars each.  My mother was born in Havana, Cuba. My father was born in Palestine. I was born in Jerusalem and became bilingual in Arabic and English. I spent 12 years in the Miami Dade County public school system and have deep ties to our community.  

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I have fond memories of horseback riding on Bird Road and 137 Avenue and picking tomatoes and strawberries in the fields on 127 Avenue and what is now Sunset Drive. You can say Miami looked very different at that time.

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My mother graduated college, becoming the first in her family. She became a teacher directly out of college but ended up working for, and retiring from, United Way. My father worked and eventually retired, from Miami Dade County as an electrical engineer in the Traffic and Signal Department.

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I continued my education at the University of Miami graduating with Bachelor and a Masters Degrees in Communication and Criminal Justice.

 

I eventually became a Special Agent with the Federal government. As an agent, I had the opportunity to work on many task forces throughout the country, including  one in the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew.

For a time I lived in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area for work. During my parents last visit together, my father saw my neighbor’s garage door wide open and he was concerned for her safety, he wouldn't go to bed until he was assured it was closed. Finally I told him to go over and let her know to close it so we can go to sleep. That night my dad passed away. My father’s compassion and sense of community is what I remember most vividly about him.

Shortly after my father's passing, my mother was diagnosed with health issues requiring me to move back to Miami and into my childhood home to care for her. For me, my mother's health was far more important than my career. I became my mother’s primary caregiver.

 

But sometimes those circumstances propel us into a new chapter in our life. It is that protective spirit that I have for my community and for District 10 that inspired me run for public office.

I humbly ask for your vote. And if you give me the opportunity and the privilege to represent you and District 10, I pledge that every vote I cast as your Commissioner will be in your best interest and the best interest for District 10.

 

Gratefully yours,

 

Susan