Today we’d like to introduce you to Letitia Newbold.
Hi Letitia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Thank you for the opportunity to share my journey.
My story begins in Broward County, where I grew up watching my parents build and run our family-owned business, the Castle Restaurant, for over 25 years. It was there that I first learned the values of hard work, service, integrity, and community. From a young age, I understood the importance of showing up, being accountable, and lending a voice to those who may not have one.
Professionally, I spent more than two decades as a Senior Intellectual Property Patent Paralegal, managing global portfolios valued in excess of $15 billion across the communications and pharmaceutical industries. That experience strengthened my attention to detail, fiscal discipline, strategic thinking, and ability to navigate complex systems – skills that directly support my work today.
While grateful for my corporate career, my heart has always been in service. Over time, I felt called to step more deeply into community leadership. That call led me to serve on the Lakeside HOA, the Planning and Zoning Board, and ultimately become a Commissioner for the City of Oakland Park. In this role, I remain committed to public safety, responsible development, transparency, and preserving the quality of life that makes our city special.
Service beyond government is just as important to me. I mentor students, volunteer in our schools, was a former board member and ministry leader, and recently founded the Forever Leo Foundation in honor of my beloved pet to support families facing emergency veterinary needs.
Throughout every chapter, I have been deeply grounded in my faith. It guides my decisions, strengthens me through challenges, and reminds me that leadership is ultimately about service, compassion, and humility.
My journey has been shaped by purpose, faith, and a genuine love for people. I am grateful for each lesson, each opportunity, and each life touched along the way. As I continue forward, my mission remains the same: to uplift my community, advocate with integrity, and help create pathways for others to thrive.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it has not been completely smooth. My journey has had its share of challenges, especially after losing my father just months before I decided to run for office. That was a deeply painful time, but I am grateful for it, because it fueled my future and helped shape who I am today.
Coming from a working-class family, nothing was handed to me. I learned early that perseverance, humility, and faith would carry me further than anything else. Along the way, there were moments of doubt, times when the path forward wasn’t clear, and seasons where balancing family, career, and community responsibilities felt overwhelming.
Professionally, working in high-stakes corporate environments and managing global intellectual property portfolios required thick skin, discipline, and a commitment to continuous learning. There were times when I had to prove myself twice over, particularly as a woman and a minority in a field where few looked like me. But those experiences strengthened my resilience and motivated me to excel.
Public service has brought its own challenges. Leadership is not always comfortable, as making decisions that affect people’s lives requires courage, patience, and discernment. There have been difficult conversations, competing priorities, and moments where I had to balance a servant’s heart with the responsibilities of governance. Through it all, I leaned on prayer, community, and the values instilled in me by my parents.
Life outside of work has presented challenges as well, including the loss of my beloved fur-baby, Leo, which inspired me to create the Forever Leo Foundation. Even in grief, I chose to turn pain into purpose and service.
Every challenge has reinforced my commitment to lead with faith, integrity, compassion, and grace. I believe challenges don’t come to break us – they come to prepare us, strengthen us, and refine our character for the purpose ahead. And after all, I cannot afford to stop now, I have a precious daughter who is silently taking notes.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
The City of Oakland Park is a vibrant, inclusive, and forward-thinking community dedicated to improving the quality of life for all residents. What sets Oakland Park apart is our unwavering commitment to preserving our small-town charm while embracing smart, sustainable growth. We are known for our strong sense of community, innovative public services, fiscal responsibility, and a collaborative spirit that engages residents, businesses, and partners at every level of government.
As a city, we specialize in delivering responsive and transparent municipal services – from public safety and infrastructure improvements to parks, recreation, neighborhood revitalization, and economic development. We are also deeply committed to environmental sustainability, walkability, and enhanced connectivity throughout the city. Oakland Park continues to invest in community-centered projects, including expanding green spaces, supporting small businesses, and strengthening public safety initiatives.
What differentiates Oakland Park is our strong sense of community, driven by residents, business owners, volunteers, and city team members who bring passion, creativity, and care to everything they do. We are a diverse and resilient community rooted in service, civic engagement, and pride. We honor our history while planning boldly for the future.
Brand-wise, I am most proud of our culture of collaboration and our dedication to building a safe, clean, and welcoming community for everyone. We believe government works best when it listens, engages thoughtfully, and acts with integrity. From neighborhood clean-ups and food-distribution initiatives to thoughtful development decisions and regional partnerships supporting public safety, education, and mobility, our efforts reflect the values and voices of our community.
To our readers: Oakland Park is growing, evolving, and rising. We invite you to rise with us. Our city offers a thriving business climate, family-friendly amenities, inclusive community programs, and a deep commitment to public service. We are building a future that honors our past, advances innovation, and strengthens connections across neighborhoods and generations.
Oakland Park is more than a city – it is a community, a family, and a place where everyone has the opportunity to belong, contribute, and thrive.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned along my journey is that true leadership begins with listening and service. When you lead with humility, empathy, and an open heart, you not only build trust, but you also empower people, create meaningful partnerships, and ensure that everyone feels seen, valued, and heard. Service and faith together remind me that leadership isn’t about recognition, it’s about impact, compassion, and leaving the world better than we found it.
