Black PR Wire Power Profiler on State Representative Cynthia A. Stafford

State Representative Cynthia A. Stafford

Representative Cynthia A. Stafford represents Florida's 109th Legislative District. First elected to the Florida House in 2010 and subsequently re-elected to a second term in 2012, Rep. Stafford currently serves on the Appropriations Committee, Education Committee, Civil Justice Subcommittee (Democratic Ranking Member), Business and Professional Regulation Subcommittee, Joint Legislative Auditing Committee and Select Committee on Gaming. As a freshman Legislator, Rep. Stafford was selected by the Speaker of the House in 2011 to serve as a member of the 2012 Presidential Primary Preference Selection Committee.

Rep. Stafford has sponsored legislation to repeal the controversial Stand Your Ground law in the State of Florida. Rep. Stafford is a staunch critic of the use of Stand Your Ground in recent court decisions. She believes this law is dangerous, often deadly, applied unequally, and leads to outrageous results. In addition, Rep. Stafford has also sponsored legislation to increase the state's minimum wage to $10.10 per hour. Rep. Stafford strongly believes that increasing the minimum wage will strengthen our economy and help lift working people out of poverty.

Rep. Stafford has served in the community for more than 25 years. She is an Attorney and Adjunct College Professor. For several years, Rep. Stafford worked with the Dade County Bar Legal Aid Society where she represented victims of domestic violence. She was also a Congressional Aide with Former Congresswoman Carrie P. Meek, Development Director for the Family Christian Association of America, and Assoc. VP/Communications Director at Sonshine Communications.

Rep. Stafford's past and present volunteer and community service includes: Casa Valentine Board Member, Inner City Children's Touring Dance Company Board Member, and the Family Christian Association of America Board Member. Rep. Stafford was also a mentor to young girls who have aged out of foster care as well as, a Miami-Dade County Teen Court Judge for first time juvenile defendants who have committed nonviolent misdemeanor crimes.

Rep. Stafford awards and honors include: Emerging Leader, Women's History Month Honoree, Rising Star Award, and Outstanding Service in Political Awareness & Involvement. Also in 2012, the Mary Kay Foundation awarded a grant in recognition of Rep. Stafford to the Miami Rescue Mission to support housing & services for domestic violence victims and their children. In 2012 and 2013, Rep. Stafford was recognized as a Champion of Florida's Middle Class. In 2013, the Family Section of the Florida Bar honored Rep. Stafford with the Legislator Award for her efforts on behalf of Florida's families throughout the legislative session.

Rep. Stafford is a native Miamian, born and raised in Liberty City. She attended public schools, graduating from Miami Northwestern Senior High School in 1985. Rep. Stafford earned a BA in Communication Arts from St. Thomas University and a Juris Doctor from St. Thomas University School of Law. Rep. Stafford is a member of the Florida Bar and licensed to practice in the State of Florida.