Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Nadia Assad
Hi Dr. Nadia, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey in public service began when I was just a teenager in Port Au Prince, Haiti where I grew up in a family and community that struggled financially, as a result, I had to work multiple jobs to support myself and my family while also going to school. Despite the challenges I faced, I was determined to succeed so I could take my mom and my siblings away from domestic violence and give back to my community. After finishing high school, I migrated to the US in 1997 and pursued a career in nursing, which allowed me to help people more directly. I worked in various healthcare settings, including hospitals and clinics, and quickly became known for my compassion and dedication to my patients and became a well-known South Florida Community Advocate with over 20 years of experience in Healthcare Administration and Mental Health; Constituent Service Representative for the City of North Miami Mayor and Council Office; Job Coach, and Community Liaison for the Broward County School District. I am fluent in four languages including English, French, Spanish, Creole, thereby enabling me to communicate effectively across cultural groups and demonstrate my passion for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in all I do for Lauderhill, Broward County, and special interest groups.
Away from work, my life revolves around my faith and family. I am a proud mother to four children Christina, Ruby, David, and Naelle. My family also consists of my beloved Maltese dog, Snowy. I enjoy life as a long-time resident of Lauderhill and volunteer my time and energy for community engagement for organizations that include:
• Haitian American Chamber of Commerce – Director of Outreach Community Relations
• Lauderhill Police Department Volunteer Program (Citizen Police Academy) Youth Program Speaker and Special Projects.
• Lauderhill Fire Rescue CERT Team -Volunteer Team Member.
• FLIC – Citizenship Drive Coordinator and Translator
• Kiwanis of Lauderhill – President
• Parkway Middle School of Art – Mentor
• National Council of Negro Women – Civic Engagement Committee Chair.
• Florida Rising – Member
• National Congress of Black Women- Member
• Hdpac – (Haitian Diaspora Political Action Committee) State Director of Florida.
• ODIHA- (Office De La Diaspora Haitienne) Board of Director.
• Love In Action by Charity -Advisory Board
• Paint to Impact- LLC, Founder
• M’Paktful Touch Community Center Inc.- Founder
Through my work and volunteer experiences, I saw firsthand the challenges that people from different backgrounds were facing, including poverty, lack of access to education and healthcare, lack of access to resources, and discrimination. Knowing that Education is key to a thriving nation, I knew that I had to do something to help bridge the gap between cultures and other diverse factors. I hosted and participated in several educational Radio shows, TV Shows, Podcasts, Workshops, and symposiums as a Guest Speaker in subject matters including Voter’s Education, Census, Mental Health Awareness, Family and Youth Empowerment, Human Trafficking, and most recently at the Florida International Trade and Cultural Expo on Cyberbullying and Mental Health.
I am particularly proud of my initiative, the Mpaktful Touch Community Center, a nonprofit that focuses on providing community assistance to those in need. My Mpaktful charity enables food distribution; school supplies giveaways; health fair events; immigration services; job training; and mental health resources. I also worked with organizations such as the FLIC Haitian Association of Lawyers to coordinate immigration services such as TPS, Green Cards, and Citizenship Drives.
One of my most innovative initiatives is “Paint to Impact,” a program inspired by my daughter. When my daughter asked if we could do something to help her school friends, I saw an opportunity to make a difference. I began selling my paintings to raise funds for disadvantaged students, providing them with essential supplies, tutoring, and other resources. This initiative not only supports the students but also teaches them the value of art and the importance of giving back.
Through “Paint to Impact,” I created a powerful cycle of support and empowerment. my paintings, which capture the beauty and struggles of life, become tools for change. Each sale contributes to a greater cause, reinforcing the idea that art can be a vehicle for social good. By offering art therapy and supporting educational initiatives, I am not only nurturing individual growth but also fostering a sense of unity and resilience within my community.
I love serving in my community, traveling, staying active whether dancing, painting, or cooking, and spending time with my friends and family. My background in charitable work and volunteerism extends over twenty years to be inclusive of dozens of notable achievements throughout Broward County.
My thousands of hours of community service reflect my deep understanding of the struggles that people face, as I have experienced them myself. I had dedicated my life to helping others, so they don’t experience the same struggles I faced. My dedication and commitment to the community have earned me numerous awards and recognitions for my work in mental health, community service, and leadership.
While I am grateful for the following recognitions, I believe my work is far from over.
• 2016 – Life Saver Recognition Award – The Bayview Center Community for Mental Health.
• 2017 – Special Recognition Award for Community Services – Fom Sové Production outreach.
• 2018 – City of Lauderhill Tribute to Women’s Prestigious Award – Vice Mayor Berger.
• 2019 – Mom of Impact Leader Award – Cancer Foundation and the Community Health and Empowerment Network.
• The 2019 Adrienne Collier Ford Award.
• 2020 – D.T.B.W.E Community Leader of Excellence Award.
• 2020 – Making the Difference Mentorship Award – Parkway Middle School of Arts
• 2020 – African American Achievers Award – The Jim Moran Foundation
• 2021- Trailblazer Award Lauderhill Haitian American and Greater South Florida Communities.
• 2021- Making the Difference Mentorship Award – Parkway Middle School of Arts
• 2022 – Making the Difference Mentorship Award – Parkway Middle School of Arts
• 2022 – The International Women’s Month Award –The Prosperity Social Community Development Group Inc.
• 2023 – Making the Difference Mentorship Award – Parkway Middle School of Arts
• 2023- Community Service of Excellence Award- Love by Action in Charity
• 2024- Community Advocate of the Year – PHMA
• 2024- Women’s Achievements Award-Haitian American Chamber of Commerce
2024- ShEvolve Women’s Summit- Community Advocacy and Resources Award Recognition
For me, public service is not just a job or a hobby, it’s a way of life. I believe that everyone has the potential to make a positive impact on the world, no matter how big or small. I hope my example will inspire others to follow in my footsteps and make a difference in their communities. I believe in community and the strength behind it, which is why my Mantra is: “Together We Can” By Mother Theresa Which is my nickname, “Mother Theresa”.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has never been easy; I faced many challenges. But determination and, most of all, God Almighty have never failed me. I believe that I went through it all for His glory and to be used as a vessel as a leader. You become a better guide when you know your way around.
Firsthand, as an immigrant, getting adjusted was very difficult for me. Like many immigrants, I have experienced discrimination in many areas of life: in stores, and restaurants, while buying and renting homes, in healthcare, and in school settings.
The language barrier has been a significant obstacle, preventing me from securing meaningful employment and leaving me vulnerable to poverty and dependence on others. Even today, I continue to face discrimination due to my accent and language skills.
Despite criticisms and discrimination, I am proud of my multicultural background and my ability to speak four languages. I refuse to alter my speech to cater to others’ expectations. My mission is to educate and empower my community, drawing from my own experiences as an immigrant and a single parent.
As a single parent, the lack of support and resources was tough. Additionally, I was responsible for my mom with several health issues without medical coverage. Lack of time is one of the main problems parents today confront. Single moms, in particular, have a lot of responsibilities to balance each day. It was difficult to balance jobs, household tasks, childcare, and school.
Economic hardship and financial distress can have devastating effects on families. My family and I went through tough economic times. After my divorce, my children and I struggled just to meet our basic needs while I was still attending school. But I was determined to continue my education knowing that was my way out to succeed and support my family. We were faced with the grief of losing everything and the fear of never being able to recover; these uncontrollable circumstances had a drastic impact on my family. But God, he armed us with love and strength. I have faced numerous challenges, but I have never been defeated. My determination and unwavering faith in God have sustained me through it all. I firmly believe that I have endured these trials to serve as a leader and a vessel for his glory.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I worked in various healthcare settings, including hospitals and clinics, and quickly became known for my compassion and dedication to my patients and became a well-known South Florida Community Advocate and a Champion for Community Engagement with a strong track record of over 20 years of Community service and experience in Healthcare Administration and Mental Health; Bayview Center for Mental Health, Clinical and Forensic Institute, Constituent Service Representative for the City of North Miami Mayor and Council Office; Fort Lauderdale Police Department, currently serve as Job Coach, and Community Liaison for the Broward County School District.
I am particularly proud of my initiative, the Mpaktful Touch Community Center, a nonprofit that focuses on providing community assistance to those in need. My Mpaktful charity enables food distribution; school supplies giveaways; health fair events; immigration services; job training; and mental health resources. I also worked with organizations such as the FLIC Haitian Association of Lawyers to coordinate immigration services such as TPS, Green Cards, and Citizenship Drives.
One of my most innovative initiatives is “Paint to Impact,” a program inspired by my daughter. When my daughter asked if we could do something to help her school friends, I saw an opportunity to make a difference. I began selling my paintings to raise funds for disadvantaged students, providing them with essential supplies, tutoring, and other resources. This initiative not only supports the students but also teaches them the value of art and the importance of giving back.
Through “Paint to Impact,” I created a powerful cycle of support and empowerment. my paintings, which capture the beauty and struggles of life, become tools for change. Each sale contributes to a greater cause, reinforcing the idea that art can be a vehicle for social good. By offering art therapy and supporting educational initiatives, I am not only nurturing individual growth but also fostering a sense of unity and resilience within my community.
I am set apart by my deep commitment to the community’s well-being and growth. My leadership style is focused on achieving tangible results of inclusive transformation. I am not new to leadership roles and my past experiences in community service and advocacy have equipped me with the skills and insights needed to drive meaningful change. I have a history of successfully promoting community engagement, supporting local businesses, and improving public services to foster positive and long-lasting changes.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
The diversity and abundance of parks in Lauderhill are what give me a strong sense of belonging. Despite the challenges with safety, housing affordability, and flooding, the most troubling issue to me is the divisiveness within the city.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.votenadiaassad.com
- Instagram: @vote_assadnadi
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nadia.assad.94?mibextid=ZbWKwL
Image Credits
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