Broward County’s First Mayor
County Commissioner Diana Wasserman-Rubin
In November 2002 the voice of the people would forever change Broward County’s governing charter and as a result Commissioner Diana Wasserman-Rubin would make history, becoming the very first Mayor of Broward County.
It’s not surprising because Diana Wasserman-Rubin has lived a lifetime of “firsts.” She was the first Hispanic-American elected to the Broward County board of Commissioners in 2000. The first Hispanic-American, elected by the nine-member Commission, to serve as Vice-Chair in 2001. In 1988, she was the first Hispanic female elected countywide to the Broward County School Board. She was also the first Hispanic-American to serve on the South Broward Hospital District Board of Commissioners and the first female to serve has Chair of the Board. In addition, she is the first Hispanic-American to be inducted into the Women’s Hall of Fame. Needless to say, Diana Wasserman-Rubin continues to serve as a role mode, motivator, inspiration and mentor to all.
Smart Head, Strong Heart
Diana Wasserman-Rubin is an elected official respected for her intellect and heart. She is known among her peers as one who is able to build a consensus, first listening to all points of view before making decisions that affect her constituents. Her contributions and dedication to Broward County have enabled many to achieve what was not within their reach before she intervened on their behalf.
At her inauguration in 2002 she outlined the goals that defined her term as Broward County Mayor. They were as follows:
Annexation
As our unincorporated areas continue to shrink, the issue will certainly become more complex and will require more creative approaches. We know our policy decision will be critical to the success of full annexation, and our Legislators and residents will look to us for leadership.
Sense of Place
As we pursue redevelopment and economic opportunities we will implement a community guidebook of landscape and design models. We will respect and treasure our historical assets, and preserve and enhance the quality of our remaining natural environment. Finally we hope to define a unique architectural identity for our communities.
Economic Opportunity
Through expanded tourism, business development and international trade, we will continue to enhance our economic base. We will also continue our efforts to create an environment where small and growing businesses can thrive.
Public Safety
As Chair of the Broward County Fire Rescue Task Force, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to have advanced a dialogue, which, by everyone’s account, was the most inclusive and productive to date. Now, the voters of Broward County have spoken by overwhelmingly approving a Charter Amendment which provides for countywide fire and emergency medical communications. The Broward County Fire-Rescue Council is now empowered to implement the clear mandate of the voters. This Council will assume the leadership role in place of the County’s Fire Rescue Task Force.
Financial Stability
I believe the greatest challenges we will face this year will be budgetary and financial issues. The State’s unprecedented budget shortfall will undoubtedly impact local governments. We must be vigorous and diligent on the state front by enhancing our working relationship with our State Legislators. As well, we must work hard to seek and sustain Federal funding and discourage unfunded mandates that stress our budget.
Pride in our Diverse Community
As we enhance our sense of community and focus on neighborhoods and families, I intend to place a renewed emphasis on multicultural activities. It is my goal to encourage everyone to participate in County government. I promise to encourage minority businesses to take advantage of opportunities that the County has to offer. My entire career has been built on encouraging diversity in all facets of government.
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Personal Data
Diana Wasserman-Rubin
Husband: Richard Rubin, AIA
Southwest Ranches, Florida
Diana was born in Havana, Cuba on February 11, 1947. She came to the United States in 1960, and became a United States citizen in 1970. She resides in Southwest Ranches with her husband Richard Rubin, AIA. They share four children: Michael Wasserman, Jennifer Wasserman, Jason Rubin, MD. and Stefan Rubin, Esq.; and four grandchildren, Jackson, Amanda, Phillip and Alexandra.
Elected Offices
2002 First Mayor of Broward County—1 st Hispanic
2001 Vice-Chair Broward County Commission—1 st Hispanic
2000 Elected to the Broward County Commission—Present (1st Hispanic)
1988 Elected to Broward County School Board—1 st Hispanic
County Appointments
2004—Mental Health and Substance Abuse Coalition
2003—Chair, Broward County Tourist Development Council
2002—Present: Broward County Commission Liaison on International Trade
2002—Broward County Elections Canvassing Board
2002—Chair, Broward County Fire Rescue Task Force
Other Appointments: City County/Liaison Group, Metropolitan Planning Organization, Children's Services Board, Water Advisory Board and Resource Recovery Board.
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2002-2003 Accomplishments
Successfully Chaired 2002 Broward County Fire Rescue Council. Under her leadership, consensus-building relationships were formed to improve and enhance the delivery of vital fire rescue services countywide. Most notable achievement: Working to achieve common communications, closest-unit response, development of regional specialty teams and system performance measures.
Created Mental Health Coalition. This diverse group was established under Commissioner Wasserman-Rubin's leadership. The Mental Health Coalition is comprised of law enforcement personnel, members of the judiciary, consumers, and fund-raising activists. In less than one year, the Coalition has hired a full-time grant writer, obtained funds for an additional Mobil Crisis Unit to reach under-served communities in South/Southwest Broward and received up to $3 million from the Children's Services Council. This money funds physical and mental health programs and substance abuse programs.
International Trade Liaison for Broward County. As a key Board representative charged with the task of improving and developing international trade programs, the Mayor has helped develop key strategies for economic growth. Under her directive, Broward County government will, for the first time, advance economic development by focusing on international trade and direct foreign investment. This includes the creation of partnerships among Port Everglades, Aviation Department, Office of Economic Development and Convention and Visitors Bureau. Under the Mayor's leadership, representatives from Broward County and Manaus, Brazil signed a mutual Memorandum of Understanding designed to encourage and promote formal trade agreements in Broward County.
2002 - 2003 Ad Hoc Committee on Annexation: Elected by fellow County Commissioners to work to resolve the annexation problems facing residents of the unincorporated areas of Broward County.
National Appointment
1994 - 2000: Member, President's Advisory Committee on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans.
State Appointments
1999 - 2000: Member, Florida Bar Commission on the Legal Needs of Children.
1996 - 1999: Member, Governor's Commission on Education.
1992 - 1994: Member, Governor's Accountability to the People Commission (GAP).
1991 - 1995: Member, Florida State Commission on Hispanic Affairs.
1991: Member, Global Leaders of the South. Appointed by the Governor to develop pragmatic leadership skills with a global vision for 11 southern states.
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Special Awards
2008
Profiles in Leadership, Leadership Broward
Woman of Virtue, LatinBiz Magazine
Mother of the Year, Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies
Minaya Lifetime Achievement Award, Miramar/Pembroke Pines Regional Chamber of Commerce
2007
Humanitarian of the Year, Florida Initiative for Suicide Prevention
Honoree, Broward Housing Solutions
International Citizen Diplomat Award, Greater Fort Lauderdale Sister Cities International
Woman History Maker, Broward Commission on the Status of Women
2006
Exceptional Women and Men Award 2006, Planned Parenthood
The United Jewish Community of Broward County, Women's Division
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award - Special Events of Weston
2004
Spirit of Healing Award – Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation
Award for Public Service – Caress and Glamour Magazine
Children’s Choice Award – Children’s Harbor
Humanitarian of Year Award – Samuel M. and Helene Soref Jewish Community Center
EPIC Award – Mental Health Association of Broward County
Person of the Year Award – The Broward Coalition
Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, Nova Southeastern University
2003
Women’s Circle of Excellence Award - Women’s Council of Commerce of Broward County
Richard L. McLaughlin Award - The Florida Economic Development Council
Women of Valor - David Posnack Jewish Community Center
Special Recognition Award - South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Community leader of Year – Arthritis Foundation
Award of Excellence - Susan B. Anthony Recovery Center
Elected Official of the Year – National Association of Social Workers, Broward Unit
Outstanding Leadership Award – South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
2002
Civic Leader of the Year - The American Jewish Congress
Woman of Distinction – March of Dimes|
Distinguished Achievement Award - American Jewish Congress
Person of the Year – Florida Customs Brokers and Forwarders Assn.
2000
Broward County Fair, "12 First Ladies of Broward."
1999
Leadership & Dedication Award - Swim Central of Broward
Women & Children Advocacy Award - B'nai B'rith International
1997
Woman of Vision - Weizmann Institute of Science
1996
First Hispanic Inducted into the Broward County Women's Hall of Fame .
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History of Accomplishments
Her community involvement began in 1974 when she became part of the decision-making process that was taking place in Pembroke Pines. She participated in civic groups and in the Voice of the Pines which promoted voter registration. She served as a member of the Pembroke Pines Board of Adjustments. In 1981, when her oldest son entered school, she became actively involved in the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and the Advisory Council. In 1984, she was appointed by the Governor of Florida to serve on the South Broward Hospital District Board of Commissioners. The term was from 1984-1988, and she served as Chairperson from 1987-1988.
In 1988, Diana became the first Hispanic female elected countywide when she won a seat on the Broward County School Board. She was re-elected in 1992 and 1996. As a Board Member, she assisted in the development of policies, implementation of curriculum, and provided an educational environment capable of meeting the diverse multi-cultural needs of the fifth largest school district in the nation. The School Board of Broward County is the largest employer in Broward County with approximately 25,000 employees, which includes more than 11,000 teachers.
While Diana was serving on the School Board, she initiated numerous projects such as: The Youth Motivator Program in which mentors meet with at-risk children on a weekly basis; The Cultural Awareness Program which provides in-service training and curriculum for all personnel; The Swim Central Program which has provided water safety education to more than 31,000 children; and The Nutrition Committee which researches ways to improve the meals that are served to school children on a daily basis. Two other programs that she was instrumental in developing include: Physical Education Programs K-12; and Smoke Free Class of 2000. The Multicultural Education and Outreach Department was created through her efforts to identify the potential in each non-English speaking student and place them appropriately to meet their specific needs. She also promoted and participated in the "inclusion" project, which incorporates the contributions of women and minorities throughout the History curriculum. She worked to establish a career exploration program, called Expanding Your Horizons, for eighth grade girls in nontraditional professions, and the Mother Daughter Program, which is a Dropout Prevention Program for Hispanic females.
She represented the School Board in Tallahassee as the Legislative Liaison from 1988-1991 and 1993-1994, and led the fight to find Broward County additional sources of revenue. Due to her efforts, while serving on the Governor's Commission on Education, Broward County received additional funding to build new schools in a faster, less expensive and more effective manner in order to meet the needs of Broward County's fast-growing student population. It is the largest fully accredited school system in the nation.
Diana feels strongly that the role of women in our society has been grossly underreported. The countless contributions made by women in all walks of life are not accurately reflected. Although historical tradition was founded on the man being the "breadwinner" of the household, our reality is that many women have either become heads of households or work to provide a needed secondary income to meet the needs of their families.
She is a wonderful example that regardless of their 'call' in life, women are capable of accomplishing multiple tasks, which are enhanced by their nurturing capabilities. Aside from her loving family and friends, her greatest source of inspiration is her evident success in assisting and empowering families and communities to make our world a healthier, safer and more peaceful place in which to live.
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Educational Involvement
1990 - 2000
Member, Hispanic Caucus of National School Boards Association.
1993 - 1994 & 1988-1991
School Board Liaison to the Florida State Legislature, Florida School Boards Association (FSBA).
1991 - 1992
Member, Educational Issues in a Multicultural Society Committee, FSBA.
Co-chairperson, Oversight Committee for Budget and Tax Reform Commission, FSBA.
1989 - 1990
Member, Board Development Committee, FSBA.
Member, Appropriations Subcommittee, FSBA.
1988 - 1992
Member, Board of Directors, FSBA.
1984 - 1985
Chairperson, Broward County Schools District Advisory Committee.
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Lectures
1998-2004: Motivational Guest Speaker for Aspira at yearly "Young Latina's Conference."
1999: Panelist/Presenter at Latino Summit in Atlanta, Georgia.
1996: Guest Professor at Broward Community College and Florida International University.
1995: Panelist for League of Women Voters of Broward Community College "Immigration Impact on Education."
1992: Guest Professor at Florida Atlantic University Doctoral Program. "Cultural Diversity in the Teaching Profession."
Community Involvement
1986-Present: Board Member/Member Emeritus, Hispanic Unity of Florida, Inc., Board of Directors.
1987-1988: President, Hispanic Unity of Florida, Inc.
1998-2000: Board Member, Broward County Planning Council.
1990-1991: Chairperson, Sex Equity Committee, Broward County Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). 1987-Present: Member, CSW.
1990-1997: Member, United Way of Broward County Board of Directors, Marketing Development Committee, Multicultural Involvement Task Force & Cabinet Committee.
1993-1995: Member, Broward County Commission on Substance Abuse Board of Directors.
1992-1994: Member, American Lung Association of Broward-Glades-Hendry, Inc., Board of Directors.
1991-1992: Member, Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce Board of Governors.
1991-1992: Member, Broward County Performing Arts Center Steering Committee.
1990-1991: Member, Broward County Disparity Study Committee.
1987-1988: Chairperson, South Broward Hospital District Board of Commissioners.
1984-1987: Member, South Broward Hospital District Board of Commissioners.
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Notable Achievements
I-75 Master Plan: Initiated dialogue with the Florida Department of Transportation, Broward County staff, elected officials and community members which led to the identification of short-term solutions to the traffic challenges on the I-75 corridor. Project is now moving forward, ahead of schedule, with nine 'consensus' alternatives for implementation.
South County Improvement: Monitored and shepherded $90,000,000 allocated by the Broward County Commission to ensure completion of neighborhood improvement projects.
Broward Multi-leadership Council: Convened group of leaders from diverse ethnic origins to work together to achieve parity through education, politics and economic development for the good of Broward County.
Hosted: First visit of the National Chairperson of the NAACP to Fort Lauderdale.
Coalition of Essential Schools: Represented Broward County's parents during the planning and implementation procedures.
Commission on the Status of Women: Participated in pay equity review of Broward government employees 1989-1990. Study indicated over 1,300 employees (65% women) were underpaid; resulted in County providing retroactive pay.
Cultural Awareness Program: Initiated provision of in-service training and curriculum for teachers, administrators and all support personnel.
Department of Foreign Student Affairs: Instrumental in establishing the Multicultural Education Department. Foreign students are assessed and placed in programs to meet their diverse needs.
Enterprise Village: Worked to establish a business/economic education training program for Broward students.
Environmental Concerns: Proposed methods to reduce duplication of information that is disseminated to, and by, School Board Members to eliminate paper waste.
Exploring Your Horizon: Worked to establish a career exploration program for eighth grade girls in nontraditional professions.
Nature Teaching Teachers Program: Worked with Broward County Commission Chairperson, John Hart, to spearhead workshops designed to provide elementary teachers with in-depth knowledge South Florida environment for teaching our children to love and respect their environment and understand their responsibility to maintain our planet.
Grants: Proposed better use of Grants' Department to obtain additional sources of revenue for programs offered to our students.
Hispanic Celebration Month: Resolution to the School Board to observe October as Hispanic Celebration Month. Proposed and encouraged various activities to be observed.
Hispanic Forum: Hosted a group of interested Hispanics from each of the 21 Spanish-speaking countries to improve awareness and understanding throughout Broward County.
Learn to Swim Program: Initiated the establishment of a pilot program in conjunction with pool safety and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR); program expanded to include in-water training for students with full cooperation from cities and agencies. Resulted in a Countywide Program called Swim Central. Since its inception, 26,000 children received free "Swim-to-Safety" education, with Swim Central providing free water safety education to over 15,000 children in 50 Broward County Elementary Schools.
Mother Daughter Program: Worked to establish a Dropout Prevention Program for Hispanic females.
Nutrition Committee: Established a committee to study and recommend ways to improve the meals served to our students. This ongoing, active committee of professionals, school and community representatives have resulted in many nutritionally sound changes for our students.
Southwest Growth: Initiated and maintained a positive line of communication between all concerned parties to negotiate for a high school in the city of Pembroke Pines and for a special-assessment district alternative to fast-track much needed schools in this fast-growing area of the County. Obtained $800,000 from area developers to fast-track other needed schools.
Physical Education Programs K-12: Proposed implementation of a method of accountability for the Physical Education Programs.
Project Bald Eagle: Worked with Adult Education to develop a program to reach minority males who dropped out of school in the past two years.
Smoke Free Class of 2000: Worked with the American Lung Association, American Cancer Society, and American Heart Association to propose appropriate curriculum regarding smoke free schools and awareness of the harmfulness of tobacco.
Starbursting Initiative: At a 1995 Boundary Meeting, offered recommendations to end starbursting by saying, "The School Board is committed to applying student assignment strategies for desegregation purposes equally and firmly for all students within the District. Accordingly, the student assignment practice known as starbursting shall be eliminated as a policy option utilized by the District in its annual boundary-setting process."
Take Your Daughter to Work Day: Proposed a resolution to the School Board for release time for parents across the County to take their school-aged daughter (and subsequently, child) to work to expose them to various professions.
Uniforms: Initiated the exploration of student uniform usage resulting in the current mandatory policy and participation by numerous schools.
Youth Motivator Program: Recruited mentors to meet with at-risk students on a weekly basis for three months at a time; results have been extremely positive. Mentored for more than six years.
Diana Wasserman-Rubin can be reached at 954-357-7008. Or you can e-mail her at dwassermanrubin@broward.org.
Biography