Frederica Wilson (FL-24)

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

• Education:

  • Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Fisk University, 1963
  • Master of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Miami, 1972

• 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

• 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

• Committee Assignments:

  • Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development
  • Member, Committee on Education and the Workforce
  • Member, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure

• 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

• 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.