On Wednesday, state House Speaker Jose Oliva, R-Miami Lakes, named state Rep. Patricia Williams, D-Pompano Beach, as his designee on the Florida Children and Youth Cabinet.
Oliva praised his colleague from the other side of the aisle.
“As an early learning professional, Representative Williams is uniquely positioned to contribute to the Cabinet’s efforts to ensure all children in Florida grow up safe, healthy, educated and prepared to become future leaders,” Oliva said.
Besides having three children and three grandchildren of her own, Williams has been the foster mother of more than a dozen other children and served as a Guardian ad Litem. She also just started a licensed child placement agency to find more foster parents.
“If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu,” said Williams. “Black and brown children haven’t been at the table. They need to be heard and involved in the decision making process, beginning at the top.”
Guardian ad Litem Executive Director Alan Abramowitz, a longtime member of the Cabinet, praised his new colleague.
“She knows children’s issues inside and out, and she’ll bring passion as well as experience to her new role,” Abramowitz said.
After serving as vice mayor and city commissioner for Lauderdale Lakes, Williams was elected to the Florida House in 2016.
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